Drop-in event announced over housing plans for Sunderland Civic Centre site

Back in 2021, Vistry Partnerships Ltd submitted a planning application for up to 265 new homes to be built on the Sunderland Civic Centre site off Burdon Road.

Following the opening of City Hall last year and phased relocation of council staff, developers plan to demolish the ageing civic centre buildings to pave the way for a new residential community.

The housing plans have previously been welcomed by Sunderland City Council’s leader, councillor Graeme Miller, who described the civic centre site as an “exciting development opportunity”.

Although a council planning consultation is currently taking place on the housing scheme, developers have announced a new public consultation event to allow members of the public to find out more.

The open meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 3 in the upper hall at St John’s Church, Ashbrooke Road, from 4pm to 7.30pm.

Andrew Rennie, development director with Vistry Partnerships North East, is encouraging members of the public to share their feedback.

He said: “Public consultation was part of the initial process when Vistry Partnerships North East was confirmed as the preferred developer for the site last summer [and] the proposals were well received.

“However, we would welcome any further feedback on our innovative plans, which we are confident will deliver a modern new community – whilst enhancing the green links to other important parts of the city.

“We aim to create an attractive new residential quarter that sits comfortably within the surrounding architecture, with a focus on open green space that encourages community use.

“It will be a fantastic, inclusive neighbourhood with its own distinctive character, providing a new housing offer on the edge of Ashbrooke and Mowbray Park, whilst also benefiting from the close proximity to the city centre.”

The new consultation event has been welcomed by local St Michael’s ward councillors Michael Dixon, Lyall Reed and Peter Wood.

Cllr Dixon said: “We have had discussions over the months with both Vistry and council officers and we are very keen that every opportunity is given to residents to be made fully aware of what is proposed.

“The planning officer has advised that the deadline for submitting representations regarding the application is February 11 so this open event at St John’s Church, Ashbrooke Road, on Thursday, February 3, will give anyone who wishes to submit comments enough time to do so.”

Cllr Dixon added: “The planning procedure can be quite complex at times, so the more the public are made aware of what is occurring and when, the better.

“This proposed development is replacing a landmark building that has divided opinion but either way has been part of the Sunderland landscape for around 50 years.

“Vistry will be there to answer questions [at the consultation event], so we would encourage anyone interested to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To leave a comment on the housing plans for the old civic centre site, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal athttps://online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search reference: 21/02938/FD4

More information on the scheme can also be found here: www.sunderland-civic-centre-consultation.com

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.