More than 1,000 affordable homes to be built alongside Sunderland's Northern Spire bridge

Brownfield land on the south side of Sunderland’s iconic Wear crossing will be transformed into a new affordable housing development called Northern Spire Park.

The council revealed its plans for the area, which it has taken into its control, after the former landowner’s vision for housing on the site stalled.

Infrastructure works will be carried out in the area to prepare the ground for housing development, which is likely to follow over the next 12-18 months.

Council leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: “Sunderland is attracting private sector investment at an unparalleled rate, and that’s hugely encouraging.

“We have to be decisive as an authority though, and be prepared to take a lead when a longer-term view is required.

"If there is a sense that the private sector cannot drive the transformation we want to see across the city - and with the pace and vigour we would like - we will do what is needed to stimulate regeneration and drive forward on the front-foot.”

The area - close to the north of Pallion - has been earmarked as one that could include sustainable, high-quality housing.

Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council revealed plans to build its own affordable housing, to ensure the city is able to provide a variety of spacious family homes that meet the needs of its residents.

The development forms part of a wider vision to build more than 7,000 new homes across Sunderland in the next decade.

And house-builders are continuing to invest in the city, with thousands of new dwellings set to be built by private sector developers in the coming months and years.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, portfolio holder for housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is a fantastic place to live, work and play, and part of growing its reputation relies on bringing forward attractive schemes that provide a diverse range of family homes.

“We believe that Northern Spire Park will enable us to bring forward an exciting new housing development, in a part of the city that will provide excellent connectivity and amenities.”

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