Dunston Staiths opening this Saturday - cancelled

We're sorry and disappointed to say that we won't be able to open Dunston Staiths to the public this Saturday after all.

Today we received some bad news from the structural engineer, who has carried out an inspection of the Staiths. The engineer found that there is decay and damage to the wood in some areas that we'd hoped to open to the public. Without repairs, this could result in trip hazards and other safety risks. While the weather is sunny and warm this week, the inspection at this time of year is to check the condition of the Staiths after the effects of the weather over the autumn and winter months.

The outcome of the inspection is, of course, very disappointing for everyone involved in caring for the Staiths and for everyone who'd hoped to visit this weekend, but above all else we must make sure that walking on the Staiths is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We also want to preserve this iconic symbol of Gateshead's industrial heritage for generations to come.

We are looking into the options for managing access onto the Staiths, and still hope to open to the public this spring and summer, but first we need to fully understand and assess the damage, and the repairs and resources that will be needed.

Dunston Staiths is 132 years old, and the issues discovered in this inspection highlight the challenges of caring for a wooden structure of this age and size. Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust needs ongoing funding and support to make this work possible, and we still desperately need volunteers to help us open up this historic landmark to visitors.

Make a donation to Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (opens new window)
Volunteer for the Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths