Project to save fire-hit historic Simpson Street school building expected to boost Sunderland economy by £1million

Earlier this year, plans were revealed to bring the former Simpson Street School site back into use after it was severely damaged by fire.

The modernisation is being led by North East architectural and structural engineering business Building Design (Northern) Ltd and is one of several regeneration projects under way on Wearside.

BDN Ltd – which was in advanced talks with Sunderland City Council before the blaze – aims to convert the Grade II-listed treasure into its own headquarters, as well as developing eight loft-style apartments.

Plans for the conversion were approved in August and now the sale of the building and surrounding grounds has completed, it is full steam ahead.

The deal between the council and BDN Ltd will allow the company to create 10 new construction roles, including two apprenticeships, to support with the conversion of the building into apartments and an office space where the Durham-based business will relocate its 16-strong team.

The project is expected to cost in the region of £1million and managing director of BDN Ltd, Richard Marsden, said that almost all of the suppliers and contractors involved are locally based.

Mr Marsden, who was born and raised in the city, added: “It’s fantastic to be able to return this stunning building to its former glory, but it is an added advantage that, in doing so, we can create opportunities for local people and businesses.”

Work on stripping out Simpson Street School is complete and repairs are set to be carried out to the roof.

This will ensure that there is no further weather damage following the blaze that left the Deptford site exposed to the elements.

Major refurbishment work will follow, which will restore the building to its former glory.

It is thought that BDN Ltd will complete its office conversion first before developing the planned apartments ‘Simpson Street Lofts’ – which will be completed by summer 2021.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Building community wealth is at the heart of our mission as a council – and we do that by attracting investment that creates jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses.

“Simpson Street is a tremendous example of a project that is repaying the city over and over – attracting a business to relocate here, invest in a building and create new jobs and also build stunning new homes for people living here.

“We’re delighted to see this moving forward.”

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