The museum has ambitious plans for further development to increase our understanding of the past. The 1820s ‘Georgian North’ is being expanded, retaining the old ridge and furrow field systems. Across the fields from Pockerley Manor a colliery horse gin has been constructed. This was one of the early means of winding men down the pit shaft and coal back up.  In addition, a Georgian wooden waggonway has been laid and was officially opened on the 24^th May 2006.  Wooden waggonways were used to transport coal from the colliery to the rivers during this period.  Both the winding gin and the wooden waggonway will provide a truly unique working exhibit.

Extensions to the 1913 Town Street have been made with the development of a Masonic Hall from Park Terrace, Sunderland (right). This project was part funded by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham and the European Regional Development Fund. The foundation stone was laid on the 1st July 2000, when 3000 freemasons in full regalia processed along the Town Street to witness the traditional Masonic ceremony which had not been performed in the North East for more than 70 years. The Masonic Hall was officially opened on the 19^th April 2006 by HRH the Duke of Kent.  A procession of 300 Masons in full regalia accompanied the Grand Master the Duke of Kent as he unlocked the doors to the Hall with an audience of around 2,000 Masons and guests.