'Playground for the people' hopes at seafront.

THE seafront at Sunderland should once again by a "playground for the people" says a strategy that goes before city councillors today.

The regeneration plan for Roker and Seaburn, which will be presented to the council's cabinet, says: "The seafront is not fulfilling its potential to attract visitors to the city and bring investment to Sunderland's economy." The annual value of coastal tourism to the region is estimated at up to pounds 450m.

Helping the seafront's reputation grow are the air show, the marina and the fact that three major cycle routes, including the C2C, converge there.

By 1907 Roker was a thriving seaside resort, although Seaburn's reputation was not established until the 1930s with the construction of seafront promenades and the Seaburn Hotel, where artist LS Lowry stayed. However, the popularity of Roker and Seaburn has declined since the 1960s.

More than 2,600 people who took part in a consultation exercise favoured separate visions for the Roker and Seaburn seafronts. While it was felt the most important aspects for Roker should be to make the most of the area for relaxation and to protect the natural environment, it was believed that the priorities for Seaburn should be the provision of more wet weather facilities, more high quality restaurants and cafes, and improved outdoor facilities for families.

Suggestions include dramatic cliffside lighting , year round events, more public art, new play equipment and better quality public toilets.