'Compelling' Houghton Colliery drive-thru, food store and DIY outlet will create 'hundreds of jobs'

Washington-based Hellens Group aims to bring “a number of major new retailers” to Houghton town centre with its £15m scheme for the ex-Houghton Colliery site.

After buying the land – which has been disused for nearly 40 years – from Sunderland City Council, the developer has now applied to the council for planning permission for its work.

A drive-through restaurant and discount foodstore would be among the attractions with a DIY store also tipped to open on the 3,600 square metres site.

While their identities have still to be confirmed, planning documents suggest that “advanced discussions” have already started with potential tenants.

Councillor Graeme Miller, the council’s leader, has described the scheme as “transformational for the Houghton area”, adding: “Importantly, it will complement the existing offer in the area, creating a more compelling reason for people to shop locally in Houghton, which is vital to support the businesses that are already operating in the area.”

Work could begin as early as spring next year if planning permission is approved.

Cllr Miller said: “This site used to provide the economic heartbeat of Houghton, supplying livelihoods for most of the families in the town.

"It is only fitting that once again it will be a source of hundreds of jobs and help drive prosperity in the town.

“This application is an important step forward in delivering a development that will bring investment, jobs and prosperity to the area.”

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, was “delighted to be moving forward with the proposals” and added: “The local residents have been waiting for a number of years to see something happen on the site. As a Sunderland-based company we are pleased to be able to invest in the local area.

“We hope to attract some well-known brands to the site and enhance the existing shopping offer for the residents of Houghton-le-Spring and the surrounding areas.”

Houghton Colliery closed in 1981 with the loss of around 250 jobs after operating for more than 150 years.

The site was subsequently landscaped.

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