New Volvo car show room approved for former Sunderland furniture factory site, housing up to 23 jobs

Plans were lodged to redevelop land at the junction of Riverside Road and Castletown Way, near Sainsbury’s, in 2019.

The site was formerly used by a ‘furniture manufacturing and warehouse operation’ but has remained vacant since buildings were demolished around six years ago.

New proposals from Stoneacre Motor Group aimed to revive the site as a showroom for major car manufacturer, Volvo.

The scheme includes a two storey building with a workshop and office space and 119 parking spaces for sales, staff and customer vehicles.

Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (East) Committee approved the planning application at a virtual meeting on Friday (September 4) – with no comments or questions from members.

The decision followed a presentation from planning officer Suzanne McDermott who outlined the details of the scheme, building designs and history of the site.

She added the building would be of a modern design and would “not be out of keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

According to planning documents, 23 employees would be based at the showroom with a mix of sales roles, technicians, admin workers and valet staff.

Existing trees along Riverside Road and Castletown Way would be retained as part of the development, alongside additional landscaping, grassed areas and separate service and showroom entrances.

During the meeting, a planning condition was also suggested to use a ‘banksman’ to allow car transporters to safely leave the showroom.

Stoneacre Motor Group and Volvo said the Southwick site was an “ideal location’ due to passing traffic and visibility to potential customers.

A Design and Access Statement submitted with the application adds the site will offer an “inclusive and accessible design” catering for disabled customers and parents with children.

It goes on to say:“[The showroom] will provide a high-quality motor retail environment, providing local employment and reinforcing the applicant’s commitment as a major contributor to the local economy, whilst respecting the needs of the local community within the immediate vicinity of the site.”

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