Plans for a new £13million council depot serving Sunderland’s Coalfields have moved a step closer to construction.

Sunderland City Council’s ruling Reform UK cabinet has authorised officers to complete the procurement process and award the contracts needed to build the new Houghton Depot at Rainton Bridge Business Park.

The development will replace the council’s ageing depot in Houghton-le-Spring Market Place, which has been described as “no longer fit for purpose”.

The new facility will become a major operational base for frontline services, housing refuse and bulky waste vehicles, gritters, road sweepers, grounds maintenance vehicles and other specialist equipment.

Although the contractor’s details have not yet been made public, more than £13million has been allocated to the project and work is expected to be completed by September 2027.

Serving as a strategic operational hub supporting frontline council services, the depot would also include office, welfare and workshop areas, fleet vehicle garages, an 8,000-tonne salt barn and more.

On completion of the new Houghton Depot, the existing facility at Market Place in Houghton-le-Spring is expected to be declared surplus to requirements and demolished.

The cabinet report continues: “The proposed development will support the continued delivery of essential frontline services, improve operational efficiency, strengthen resilience across a number of key environmental and neighbourhood services and provide modern welfare facilities for the workforce.”

Previously, the council said its current Market Place depot was too small and issues included the energy efficiency of the buildings, increased traffic and road safety issues in the area.

For more information on the plan, visit the council’s planning portal website and search for reference25/02295/LP3.