SUNDERLAND'S new City Hall is up in lights, as the building enters its final phase of construction.

New signage lights the entrance to the building, which will open its doors in November. 

The new building, which stands on Riverside Sunderland, will soon become home to Sunderland City Council as well as a range of other public sector organisations, delivering a 'one stop shop' for residents to access a range of support.

City Hall's new signage is a key focal point of the 190,000sq ft building, which will be the second building to complete on Riverside Sunderland, following the opening of The Beam in 2019. 

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The construction of City Hall is gathering pace, as we near the completion of this two-year project, to create a building that is absolutely fit for purpose, as a modern, aspirational place for our residents to access important services from the council and other support organisations. 

"Residents may have noticed the lighting being tested, as the electrical fit out is completed, and the signage at the front of the building is a really visible signal that we're quickly moving towards opening.  It really does look impressive and we think this is what residents deserve - a smart, sustainable, light, bright space where they are supported throughout their lifetime."

The building is being constructed by Sunderland firm Bowmer + Kirkland, ploughing millions of pounds into the local economy.  The new civic building is part of a £100m investment by Legal & General, which will also see two new commercial buildings developed on the site.  The building is one of a number of large-scale development projects progressing in the city centre, part of an ambitious vision to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent.

To stay up to date with progress at City Hall and other Riverside Sunderland developments, visit www.riversidesunderland.com or follow @RiversideSund on social media.