'Great news for the city' - Readers react as Ocado is confirmed as first tenant for Sunderland's Vaux site
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Ocado will become the first tenant on the former site of the Vaux brewery – a huge city centre development which will also be home to Sunderland City Council at a new state-of-the-art headquarters.
Many Echo readers have welcomed the investment, hailing it as the first step in bringing more companies, and jobs, to Wearside.
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Hide AdOcado’s new home will be at THE BEAM, the flagship building on the site. The retailer has signed a 15-year deal to let the top two floors of the building.
Ideas included buildings to further tourism and a Stack-style development of shipping containers, consisting of food and leisure premises.
Plans are in progress to create such a structure on the seafront at Seaburn – but some argued it would be better-suited to the city centre to bring in money.
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Hide AdHere is what you had to say on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:
Bernard Purdy: “Great news, well done all involved, keep the good work up.”
Lee Richardson: “Yes, it will bring people into the city (well, employees) who may spend a bit more in town now, but on the other hand, how much more tourism would something touristy brought in?”
Chris Collins: “Great news for the city. Let’s hope the next buildings are a little more pleasing on the eye. That looks like its been done by an architect still living in the 70s.”
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Hide AdHayley Byers: “Fantastic news, completely new jobs vs a relocation from Doxy etc a massive bonus.”
Neil Lawther: “Great plan, still need either free or subsidised parking.”
Jack Fromme: “We should build the new Stack site next to here. Keep people in the city.”
Angela Dalzell: “More business needed.”
Sue Gray: “Waste of money.”
Pamela Armstrong: “Where are they going to park?”
Jean Wright: “No houses please.”