Regeneration plans to follow as much-loved mining museum is repaired

Regeneration plans to follow as much-loved mining museum is repaired

Essential repair works have now been completed at the historic Washington F Pit Museum to preserve its industrial heritage and help sustain its role as a much-loved visitor attraction.

The Grade II listed F-Pit Engine House is one of only ten Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Sunderland and is an iconic landmark that showcases the important history of coal mining in the region.

Located in Albany Park, F-Pit has been operating as a museum since 1976. It is especially significant as it still retains the original winding engine that was built by the Grange Iron Company in 1888, which came to F-Pit second hand, as well as the steel headgear that was once used to bring a cage of coal or miners from great depths in the mine to the surface.

Sunderland City Council has spent £310,000 undertaking an extensive package of repair works to bring the Engine House back into good condition including roof, window, brick, render and internal joinery repairs.

The council is now moving onto the next stage of the project to develop regeneration proposals for the F-Pit Museum and Albany Park, to rejuvenate the park and build a new visitor centre and café to enhance the heritage offer and visitor appeal of this unique site.

An opportunity for residents and visitors to participate in the development of the project and comment on what they would like to see at the site as part of the new regeneration proposals is available through the 'Let's Talk F-Pit and Albany Park' consultation page at: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/fpit-albany-park  

Councillor Linda Williams, cabinet member for vibrant city, who has always lived in the area and represents the Washington Central ward, said: "The F-Pit is an important part of Washington's heritage and it's fantastic to see the repair works complete to ensure we protect the future of this significant site. 

"I'm proud to be the daughter and granddaughter of a miner and proud to represent this fantastic area of Sunderland that holds so much rich history.

"As a council we are committed to bringing forward key regeneration projects across the city.  The further investment to improve the surrounding Albany Park and the overall visitor experience at F Pit, will not only attract and welcome new visitors to Washington but pay respect to our coal mining history. We are keen for as many residents and visitors as possible to get involved, share their views, and help shape the proposals."

Albany Park was formed from land reclaimed from the former colliery and the existing landscape has been influenced by the site's industrial heritage. The completed repair works and future regeneration proposals for F Pit and Albany Park will help preserve and enhance an important symbol of the mining history of Washington as part of the city's industrial heritage.

This project represents another milestone in the council's commitment to heritage-led regeneration, working in partnership and building on the successes of recent projects that have transformed iconic buildings such as Hylton Castle, Roker Pier and Lighthouse and Fulwell Mill, as well as reviving the city centre's historic High Streets through the Heritage Action Zone and Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Schemes.