£10m industrial scheme planned for Sunderland

Plans to transform an area of disused land in Sunderland into a vibrant new industrial park have been released today [7 July].

Proposals for an attractive new development at Commercial Road in Hendon have been submitted to Sunderland City Council's planning authority. Visuals depict a cluster of 19 industrial units of varying sizes, along with a drive-through coffee shop and major improvements to the streetscape surrounding the site. 

The £10m development - led by Promenade Park Properties and designed by Sunderland architect and engineering practice BDN - could create up to 150 jobs if it is given the green light by the planning committee. Units will range from 3,500 to 20,000 sq ft. and will deliver much-needed shed space in an area that is well-established as an industrial hub.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "Commercial Road is a busy industrial site, that is well-positioned for businesses of this kind, providing great connectivity to major roads, rail and sea given its proximity to the Port of Sunderland. 

"Pockets of land that remain undeveloped, such as this one, represent an untapped opportunity to create more space for businesses to relocate to Sunderland, or indeed, for ambitious local firms to grow into. This is an important and welcome development."

The site will comprise a range of industrial sheds, with a proportion of office space within each unit for back-office staff. Provision has also been made for an 18-space electric vehicle charging station to support Sunderland's transition to cleaner, greener cars.

The units are designed to be as energy efficient as possible, ensuring businesses that locate to the site benefit from reduced energy consumption and lower running costs. 

If proposals are approved, it is expected work could start on site in spring 2024, with the first phase of units ready by the end of the year. They will be offered for sale or rent.

Cllr Miller added: "Sunderland is a transforming city, and it has much to offer all kinds of businesses. We are seeing more and more speculative developments like this underway across the city, demonstrating a high degree of investor confidence."

To find out more about the units planned as part of the development, email info@promenadepark.co.uk.