From a major new visitor attraction to new housing, bars and the game-changing TV and film studios, here’s a round up of some of the big developments heading our way.
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9. The Flower Cafe, Keel Square
The Flower Cafe is set to bloom in Keel Square in summer 2025. The new Sunderland site, a sister site to branches in Newcastle and Northumberland, will have 113 covers inside, with a further 46 seats on pavement seating outside, which will look down towards the new Culture House once it’s completed. The Sunderland menu will feature options such a brunch, gourmet sandwiches, organic wines, coffees and cocktails. | Pulp Studios Design House
10. Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy
The Housing, Innovation and Construction Skills Academy is really taking shape in Sheepfolds Industrial Estate, next to the ALS building. The pioneering training facility will position Sunderland at the forefront of the North East's housing industry. A range of construction courses will move to the building starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. | Sunderland Echo
11. Sea Change, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Popular South Shields cafe Sea Change will open a second site in Sunderland in February. The team is busy renovating the cafe at the Museum and Winter Gardens which has stood empty for some time. | Sunderland Echo
12. Elephant Rock, Roker
The team at Vaux has been busy with opening Bridge Hotel Vaults and relocating their brewery to larger premises in St Peter's to meet demand for their products, but 2025 will see attention turn to Elephant Rock. Named after the rock formation which once divided Roker and Seaburn, it will be a new beachfront bar for the city in the old shelter on Marine Walk, with works expected to forge ahead in January. | Sunderland Echo