New homes set to line Northern Spire

More than 1,000 new homes are set to straddle the city's Northern Spire, after Sunderland City Council revealed ambitions to develop out sites either side of the bridge. 

Brownfield land on the south side of Sunderland's iconic Wear crossing will be transformed into a housing development, with affordable and high-quality homes. 

The council revealed its plans for the area, which it has taken into its control, after the former landowner's vision for housing on the site stalled. 

The area, which will be known as Northern Spire Park, will see a programme of infrastructure works carried out to prepare the ground for housing development, which is likely to follow over the next 12-18 months. 

Council leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said the move to acquire and develop a plan for the area demonstrated the authority's ambition to 'push forward with its transformation programme with pace and vigour'. 

He said: "Sunderland is attracting private sector investment at an unparalleled rate, and that's hugely encouraging. 

"We have to be decisive as an authority though, and be prepared to take a lead when a longer-term view is required. If there is a sense that the private sector cannot drive the transformation we want to see across the city - and with the pace and vigour we would like - we will do what is needed to stimulate regeneration and drive forward on the front-foot."

Sustainable High Quality Housing

The area - close to the north of Pallion - has been earmarked as one that could include sustainable, high-quality housing. Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council revealed plans to build its own affordable housing, to ensure the city is able to provide a variety of spacious family homes that meet the needs of its residents. 

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, portfolio holder for housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "Sunderland is a fantastic place to live, work and play, and part of growing its reputation relies on bringing forward attractive schemes that provide a diverse range of family homes.

"We believe that Northern Spire Park will enable us to bring forward an exciting new housing development, in a part of the city that will provide excellent connectivity and amenities."

The development forms part of a wider vision to build more than 7,000 new homes across Sunderland in the next decade. The city is growing its reputation as a place to live, and was named the 'third richest city in the UK' according to scientists who looked at the assets the city has to offer vs the things that lead to a rich and fulfilled life.  Sunderland was also named as the best city to live for under 30s, in a recent report by OneFamily.  House-builders are continuing to invest in the city, with thousands of new dwellings set to be built by private sector developers in the coming months and years.