Development deal 'just days away' for Sunderland's Farringdon police station - site went from tackling crime to being a magnet for trouble

Plans to finally overhaul a derelict former police station which went from tackling crime to being a magnet for trouble could be announced later this year.
Firefighters at the former police station in February 2020Firefighters at the former police station in February 2020
Firefighters at the former police station in February 2020

Farringdon Hall Police Station, in Primate Road, has been empty since 2015, when it was closed by Northumbria Police due to budget cuts.

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But it is hoped a deal with new owners, who took over the land in November 2019, could see the building and surrounding area redeveloped.

The former police station has sat derelict for yearsThe former police station has sat derelict for years
The former police station has sat derelict for years

“We have been waiting for far too long for something to happen to the site,” said Cllr Tye.

“But I’m pleased to say that we are only days away from a deal being signed which will be the catalyst for the prospect of a comprehensive re-development of the area.

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“I’m sure once the deal is over the line, residents will be pleased with what is being considered for the site and I look forward to working with the new site owners to make sure a development comes forward that will benefit the ward and beyond.”

Previous efforts to prevent trespassers accessing it by boarding it up with metal sheets reportedly failed after the hoardings themselves were stolen.

According to estate agency Sanderson Weatherall, the land was sold in 2016 for about £530,000.

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Proposals were submitted to Sunderland City Council that year to convert the former cop shop into a gym, but the application was later withdrawn.

In 2018 city councillors heard the building was slated for demolition, although work is yet to commence.

Cllr Tye said: “After months of hard work I’m delighted to say that plans to transform the old Farringdon Hall Police Station and adjacent land are almost ready to be revealed.

He added: “I’ve been working closely with the new owners of the site to make sure that fly tipping, vandalism and antisocial behaviour are managed and I’m pleased with the way they have responded to make sure the derelict site is safe.”

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