High Street set for revamp

Sunderland's city centre is poised for another significant transformation, with a planning application submitted for the next phase of redevelopment along High Street West - an integral part of the ambitious Riverside Sunderland masterplan.

The proposals submitted by Sunderland City Council, seek to revitalise the high street to create a dynamic mix of retail, commercial, leisure, and residential spaces.

Spread across four development plots the proposed scheme will stimulate economic activity and enhance the city centre's lifestyle offer, building on the investments in Culture House, the Flower Café, the Three Stories, and Elephant Team rooms which are beginning to redefine and re-energise this important city street.

The new buildings have been designed with flexibility in mind with the upper floors being able to accommodate either commercial office space for businesses keen to operate out of a modern city centre base, or high quality apartments that will boost the number of people living in the city centre. Active ground floor space will ensure the high street continues to attract shoppers and visitors alike.

The plans also include the removal of the enclosed footbridge which currently connects High Street West with St Mary's Car Park as part of a series of public realm improvements that will restore historic connections and enhance pedestrian access to the former Vaux site.

The planning application which is scheduled to be determined later this year will act as a catalyst for future investment and redevelopment.

It's the latest phase of a transformative programme of regeneration at Riverside Sunderland, which has been held up nationally as one of the UK's most ambitious urban redevelopments.  The location is now recognised as one of the most vibrant and exciting destinations in the region, with a plethora of leisure venues being enjoyed by residents, employees, and an increasing number of visitors to the city. 

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for Housing, Regeneration and Business at Sunderland City Council, said: "Riverside Sunderland is a world-class development and we're now seeing it bear fruit with new bars, restaurants, workspaces and public realm opening and welcoming people into our city.

"This next phase of work will renew our high street, restoring and retaining some valuable heritage features, and bringing new life and vibrancy to this key location.

"It is a vital part of our ambition to support our businesses, generate more jobs, provide more high-quality new homes, and create more leisure destinations which attract people to live, work, and play in our city centre."

To ensure the development fulfils the ambitious vision and meets the needs of the city, the Council is working in partnership with Capital and Centric, an award-winning social impact developer known for delivering successful placemaking regeneration projects across the UK.

Tim Heatley Co-founder of Capital and Centric said, "We're a team that loves creating awesome spaces. Working alongside the Council, we believe we can create an exciting new mixed-use neighbourhood at High Street West, where a real community can come together and deliver sustainable change at the heart of Riverside Sunderland."

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, added: "This latest transformational phase of Riverside Sunderland will bring vibrancy and footfall and connect the existing retail offer at the heart of the city with the new communities that are taking shape at either side of the fantastic new Keel Crossing. It is great to see the renewed sense of activity and enjoyment with increasing visitor numbers helping to support the growth of new and existing businesses."

Riverside Sunderland - which has received numerous regional and national awards - will double the city centre's residential population from 2,500 to 5,000 and create up to 10,000 new jobs and the redevelopment of High Street West is a cornerstone of this vision.