A Sunderland architectural and engineering practice has brought the iconic signage back to life
Building Design Northern Limited has worked with Sunderland AFC to recreate distinctive signage from its old Roker Park Stadium, recapturing the energy of the Black Cats’ former home.(Image: Building Design Northern Limited)
For the majority of Sunderland supporters – particularly those of a certain age – Roker Park holds a special place in their heart. From 1898 to 1997 it was the home of the Black Cats was renowned for the ‘Roker Roar’.
Despite the club relocating to the Stadium of Light in the mid-1990s, remnants of Roker Park remain. Fragments of the lattice work from the Main Stand now form part of the car park at the Stadium of Light, and club legend Charlie Hurley dug up the centre spot of the ground for it to be planted at the new stadium.
And now, there are further plans in place that will see a fondly remembered element of Roker Park brought back to life. In the historic Roker End of the ground, a sign saying ‘Welcome to Sunderland’ was proudly displayed.
Now, a Sunderland architectural and engineering practice has brought the iconic signage back to life. Building Design Northern Limited has worked with Sunderland AFC to recreate the signage and will be displayed on the side of the Stadium.
BDN architect Clinton Mysleyko is a lifelong Sunderland fan, and worked with colleague and fellow supporter Paul McDonnell, to draw up designs for the signage, which will soon dress the outside of SAFC’s southern stand. As well as signage placement, BDN supported with engineering services, designing new structural supports to enable it to be fastened to the cladding.
Clinton said: “It was a real honour to work on this project for a club I have supported since being a kid. Roker Park still holds such special memories for so many SAFC fans, and playing a part in ensuring the connection with the past comes to life at the Stadium of Light has been really special.”
The sign will greet thousands of fans making their way to the stadium from the city centre, which is now connected by the Keel Crossing, a footbridge crossed by legions of supporters each week. Managing director of BDN, Richard Marsden, said: “Sunderland is a club with such a proud past and we’re thrilled to be playing a part in celebrating an important part of its heritage, supporting with the placement of a sign that will be familiar for so many fans. We’re proud to be a Sunderland based business, so commissions like this are really special for us.”
In the sign’s shadow, a new Legends’ Way will transform the Roker End exterior, giving supporters the chance to secure a permanent place within a new area celebrating the history and people of Sunderland AFC. Fans can purchase engraved stones featuring custom messages, with several sizes and designs available. Prices will range from £99 to £500 depending on the size of the stone, which will vary from 200mm by 100mm up to 400mm by 400mm. At the heart of Legends’ Way will sit the Wembley Path, linking the statue of Bob Stokoe with a soon-to-be-installed statue of Jimmy Montgomery.
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