Following a series of pier and harbour constructions at Sunderland starting in the early 18th century, the building of the current North pier, known commonly now as just Roker Pier, began in September 1885 and was finally opened, complete with its striking red and grey granite lighthouse, in September 1903. The pier eventually fell into disrepair but in 2012, Sunderland City Council, supported by Heritage Lottery funding, began an extensive restoration program on the pier and lighthouse. A storm in November 2016 caused damage to the pier, demolishing the railings at the seaward end and putting back the restoration work.
The restoration project was fully completed in 2018 to a very high standard with a new entrance structure at the mouth of the Pier Tunnel marking the final stage of the work.