The redevelopment of Sunderland’s Civic Centre into 265 new homes has been granted planning permission by the City Council’s Planning and Highways (East) Committee
Vistry Partnerships will redevelop Sunderland’s Civic Centre into 265 new homes along with high quality public open spaces and cycling and pedestrian links.
The homes will range from one to four-bedroomed homes and be sold under Vistry’s house building brand Linden Homes.
A complex demolition process will be undertaken to clear the site ready for construction work.
‘Attractive new residential quarter’
Andrew Rennie, development director with Vistry Partnerships North East, said:
“We are delighted to have secured approval for this city centre redevelopment to go ahead, which we are confident will play a pivotal part in Sunderland’s regeneration.
“We aim to create an attractive new residential quarter that sits comfortably within the surrounding architecture, with a focus on green space that encourages community use.
“It will be a fantastic new inclusive neighbourhood with its own distinctive character, providing a new housing offer on the edge of Ashbrooke and Mowbray Park whilst benefiting from the close proximity to the city centre.”
Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, said:
“Having made the move to our new City Hall only a matter of weeks ago, I am delighted to see plans for the former civic centre site given the green light.
“Housing on the outskirts of the city centre will deliver a significant boost to traders in the heart of the city, as people living on the doorstep head in to spend their time and money in shops, bars and restaurants.
“By bookending the city with residential developments – at Riverside Sunderland and the former Civic site – we will boost footfall and hopefully – with it – spend too.”
Civic centre redevelopment is part of a wider housing plan
The Sunderland Civic Centre project has been delivered with Lichfields Planning Consultants.
Senior director at Lichfields Newcastle office, Michael Hepburn, said: “This project has been a significant collaborative effort with both the local community and Council officers, providing significant contribution to the vibrancy and vitality of an important sector.”
The civic centre redevelopment is part of a wider plan to build more than 7,000 new homes across the city by 2030.
