Everything you need to know as city roads and car parks to close next week for Riverside development
Sunderland City Council has submitted a planning application for a temporary 186 space car park
Residents and motorists are being warned about disruption as work gathers pace on the construction of the Sheepfolds neighbourhood at Riverside Sunderland.
As work continues, two council operated temporary car parks will close next week to support the delivery of essential infrastructure works in readiness for the new development.
From Monday October 26, the triangular car park at the junction of Hay Street and Easington Street and the car park adjacent to St Peter’s Metro Station will close.
Roads and on-street car parking within the Sheepfolds neighbourhood will also close from 26 October as temporary hoarding is installed to create a safe environment for the delivery of major drainage, site remediation, and groundworks.
Sheepfolds Stables will remain open as usual throughout this work and vehicular access will be maintained via Richmond Street with the adjacent temporary parking area which is managed by Sheepfolds Stables also remaining open.
To help offset the loss of parking during the ongoing construction works, Sunderland City Council has submitted a planning application for a temporary 186 space car park just off Millennium Way, at the north of the Sheepfolds neighbourhood, which subject to the necessary consents will be operational in early Spring 2027.
From Monday 26 October, anyone visiting Sheepfolds Stables, the Stadium of Light, the British E Sports Arena, the Housing and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) or other nearby destinations by car, as well as those arriving on foot at St Peter’s Metro Station, will need to access the area via North Bridge Street and Millennium Way or Kier Hardie Way and Millenium Way.
Pedestrian and cycle access will continue to be available via the Keel Crossing.
The closures are expected to remain in place beyond 2027.
Councillor James Jackson, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration, said: "These closures are necessary to allow work to continue on the transformation of the Sheepfolds neighbourhood, which is one of the most significant regeneration projects currently taking place in the city.
"We recognise that these changes will result in some disruption for those who regularly use these car parks which is why we have submitted plans for a temporary replacement off Millenium Way.
"The redevelopment will create a vibrant new neighbourhood and play an important role in the wider Riverside Sunderland vision, bringing long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors."
Pending the determination of the planning application and development of the temporary replacement car park, motorists are advised to use alternative parking facilities within the city centre.
You can find out more about alternative car parking provision via the city council’s website at https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/car-parks.