New retail scheme on edge of Sunderland aims to create 125-plus jobs

A discount foodstore, drive-through restaurant and parking spaces for 300 vehicles all feature in Washington-based developer the Hellens Group’s £15m vision for the former Houghton Colliery site.

The group is submitting a planning application to Sunderland City Council in April and is urging the public to have their say on the proposals before Easter.

The plans also include three “large format” retail units and four smaller units available for retail or leisure purposes.

Around 125 jobs are expected to be created if the scheme is approved as well as construction employment and other spin-off posts.

Although occupiers are yet to be confirmed, it is understood that they are likely to be those who are either not in the area or would like to enhance their presence in the town.

Daniel Gregg, associate director of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields, which is seeking planning permission for Hellens, said: “The vast majority of locally generated retail spending in Houghton goes to stores further afield, including those in Sunderland, Washington and Durham, as well as Gateshead and Newcastle.

“This development would significantly improve the range of shopping provision available locally and reduce the need for residents to travel elsewhere.”

“It would also provide a boost for the northern end of Houghton town centre, helping to generate spin-off trade for existing businesses along Newbottle Street.”

Houghton Colliery was closed in 1981 after operating for more than 150 years and the site was subsequently landscaped.

However, despite being allocated for development in various plans over the last 30 years, it has still to be built on.

When Sunderland City Council agreed to sell the eight-acre Newbottle Street site to Hellens last year for the “best price reasonably achievable”, Houghton councillor Alex Scullion said: “Houghton is going places.

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

Further information and a comment form are available by logging on to www.houghtoncolliery.com/ with all responses needing to be submitted by Friday, April 9.