Plans for two new city centre office blocks as part of former Vaux brewery development

Plans have been lodged for new city centre office buildings as work progresses on the major regeneration scheme Riverside Sunderland.
Riverside Sunderland aerial view.Riverside Sunderland aerial view.
Riverside Sunderland aerial view.

The project – which comprises the former Vaux Brewery site and surrounding areas such as Sheepfolds – is expected to create thousands of jobs and a new urban quarter on Wearside.

Now Legal & General, working with developer Landid, has submitted a planning application for two new commercial buildings delivering a total of 200,000 sq ft of business space.

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The buildings – which are part of Legal & General’s multi-million pound commitment to Riverside Sunderland, announced last year – would be constructed consecutively, with the first building expected to be completed by summer 2022.

Their planning application also follows a recent announcement about Legal & General’s £60 million commitment to Hillthorn Park in Washington, paving the way for speculative industrial spaces to accelerate the site’s development.

Mike Coplowe, senior development manager at Legal & General, which is also funding the development of a new City Hall for Sunderland, welcomed the scheme.

“We are thrilled to share plans for two new commercial spaces that will stand proudly alongside The Beam and City Hall on Riverside Sunderland, an exciting new urban quarter that is rapidly developing into an attractive place to live, work and play,” he said.

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“The buildings will deliver high-quality workspaces that will attract more businesses to the city, creating jobs and opportunities when they open, as well as during the construction phase.

“It’s a hugely exciting time with so much regeneration going on in Sunderland, and we’re delighted to be part of it – and we’re here as long-term investors in the city, focused on making a difference to the city’s future.

“Our ambition is to create a space where businesses are able to prosper – to do good work, in a place designed to be good for the planet, good for the health and wellbeing of the team who work there and at the heart of a community where people enjoy a good life and good times.”

The five and six-storey office spaces – both of which will stand behind City Hall with views across the river – are a key part of Riverside Sunderland, which will also see a new residential community rise from the ground.

Office plans are expected to go before Sunderland City Council’s area Planning and Highways Committee later this year and if approved, work on the first building would start in early 2021.

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James Silver, managing director at Landid, said: “These buildings are at the core of transformational plans for Riverside Sunderland, which will be a game-changing new part of Sunderland’s city centre.

“The early success of Riverside Sunderland – with Ocado’s move to The Beam, and City Hall gathering pace – means there is a growing optimism in Sunderland and these additional buildings will really underline that.

“Building attractive, sustainable offices that feature good design will attract businesses, which brings more people to the area – and with the arrival of new homes and places to enjoy, that should make for a vibrant, bustling new part of the city centre, stimulating regeneration throughout the heart of the city.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “There is a real head of steam building on Riverside Sunderland.

“Just weeks after work concluded on The Beam, City Hall began and now we’re looking forward to the next buildings to occupy the site.

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“Legal & General’s deal was the single biggest investment deal for Sunderland in decades and their speed in moving forward with their plans is testament to their commitment to this city and a demonstration of the strength of our partnership with them.

“Working with Legal & General, we are underwriting a programme of long-term regeneration in the heart of our city, something I am delighted to see moving ahead.

“Coupled with their investment in Hillthorn Park – which is another boost for the city’s economy – we have established a partnership with an investor that will be absolutely transformational for Sunderland, and that we will use as a catalyst to deliver the vibrant, dynamic city our residents deserve.”

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