With the autumn 2020 detailed drawings showcasing homes, offices and bridges as part of Sunderland City Council’s Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, we thought it was an opportunity to look back at a host of other visions of the city’s future to see how accurate – or not – they have so far turned out to be.
5. A bridge too far
Early plans to regenerate the empty former Vaux Breweries site also included a pedestrian bridge linking the city centre with the Sheepfolds. Photo: NOP
6. Retail paradise
The plans by Sunderland Arc, formed in 2002 to spearhead the city's regeneration, also included a giant shopping centre on the main site itself. Photo: NOP
7. Drawn out
The scheme was conceived before the 2008 recession and disappeared after Sunderland Arc itself folded in 2011 when austerity saw its public funding cut. Photo: NOP
8. Vision in white
Arc's plans also included a hotel opposite the Ship Isis pub, in Silksworth Row. Photo: NOP