Have your say on exciting plans for Washington F-Pit Museum and Albany Park

New concept plans have been developed by Mosedale Gillatt Architects for the Museum and include a brand-new heritage visitor centre and café with flexible space for community use, outdoor seating overlooking a new play area, and external exhibition space.

The plans will also cover repairs and improvement works to the F-Pit Engine House and a new car park at the Museum site.

The first phase of the improvements to Albany Park was completed in June, with woodland management and tree, shrub and wildflower planting carried out to enhance the natural environment of the park.

Now Sunderland City Council has prepared an updated outline masterplan for Albany Park, showing proposals for the second phase which would include works to improve park entrances and access, refurbished play areas and a trim trail, a new event space, and a dog exercise area.

The overall feel of the park will also be enhanced with new paths, bins and benches, sculptures and signage, planting, flowering shrubs, meadow grassland, and wetland ponds to boost biodiversity.

Following last year's consultation on initial proposals, residents and businesses are being invited to comment on the new plans via the Council's Let's Talk F Pit and Albany Park page at Let's Talk F-Pit and Albany Park - Sunderland City Council. Any comments should be provided by end of September 2024.

An event will also take place at the F-Pit Museum as part of this year's Heritage Open Days on Saturday 14 September between 12-3pm, where visitors will have an opportunity to meet the architects and discuss the plans in person.

Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council's Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said: "These exciting new plans for Albany Park and the F-Pit Museum are all about preserving and promoting an important part of Washington's heritage whilst also developing the site's potential as a destination for Washington and the wider city, that visitors will be able to enjoy for generations to come. 

"I'd like to thank residents for helping to shape these emerging plans and encourage them to participate in this latest consultation so they can continue to stay involved as plans progress."

The Grade II listed F-Pit Museum is one of only 10 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Sunderland and is an iconic landmark that showcases the history of coal mining in the region. Albany Park was formed from land reclaimed from the former New Washington Colliery and is now an important local recreational space.

It is expected that the second phase of Albany Park improvements will commence in Spring 2025 and the Museum development including construction of the Heritage Visitor Centre and Café to begin in Summer 2025.  

There will be further opportunities for residents and businesses to comment on more detailed plans through consultation events early next year.

Find out more about the regeneration plans by visiting Let's Talk F-Pit and Albany Park - Sunderland City Council