Architecture firm BDN relocating to transformed Littlewoods Sunderland site

A major architecture, structural and civil engineering firm is relocating to one of its newest projects.

BDN (Building Design Northern) are behind projects such as Sheepfolds Stables and the Spire View estate in Humbledon Hill as well as the transformation of the old Simpson Street School in Deptford.

The firm, and its 35-strong workforce, is currently based at the former school but will be relocating to Eastgate Point, a £15m development on the former Littlewoods site in Hendon.

The multi-disciplinary firm has doubled its workforce over the past five years and will move into bespoke office space at the Commercial Road development, which it’s delivering in partnership with Hewitson Group, later this year, creating a headquarters designed to support its continued expansion.

Richard Marsden, managing director of BDN, said: “When we moved into Old Simpson Street School, it reflected the type of business we were then and gave us plenty of space to grow into. We’re now at a point of needing to relocate again to accommodate the growing team.

“But moving into Eastgate Point isn’t simply about needing more space. It’s about creating a headquarters that reflects where the business is today and where we want to be in the future.

“It’s particularly rewarding because we’ll be working from a development we’ve designed and delivered ourselves alongside Hewitson Group.

“We genuinely believe in the quality of what we’ve created, so there’s no better demonstration of that than choosing to base our own business here.”

At Simpson Street School, the company has submitted plans to convert its existing office accommodation within the Grade II listed building into six high-quality apartments.

These will sit alongside the nine apartments already created within the northern section of the former school, bringing another part of the historic building back into residential use while preserving its heritage features.

Richard added: “Old Simpson Street School has been a fantastic home for us and we’ve enjoyed being part of its story.

“As we’ve grown, however, we’ve reached the point where we need a purpose- designed headquarters that gives us the space and flexibility to continue developing the business.

“It’s fitting that our move will also create an opportunity to breathe new life into another part of this wonderful historic building, ensuring it continues to play an important role in Sunderland’s future.”

The property is currently being marketed by By Design as an investment opportunity.

Eastgate Point – where BDN will soon be based - is a £15 million, 125,000 sq ft commercial development on the former Littlewoods site in Hendon.

The scheme will deliver 19 industrial and commercial units across nine buildings, creating a modern employment destination capable of supporting more than 350 jobs.

The development has already secured a number of occupiers including Gentoo and more to be announced soon.