The demolition of the main structure of Sunderland’s old Civic Centre building, is now in progress, paving the way for 265 new homes.
Once the site is cleared, Partnerships North East will deliver the ambitious £62M project which – in addition to the delivering new, much needed housing – will create high quality public open spaces and cycling and pedestrian links to improve access routes to the city centre.
Part of the proposal will see the recreation of Saint George’s Square – bomb damaged during the Second World War and lost to redevelopment in the 60s – with the Grade II listed Saint George’s House proudly maintained as a focal point. The architecture and streetscape will be sensitive to the parkside location and the nearby Ashbrooke Conservation Area.
A selection of one to four bedroomed homes – with many benefitting from views across Mowbray Park – will be built on the site, increasing the availability and choice of new housing close to Sunderland city centre.
Andrew Rennie, Development Director with Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “Planning was granted for this project in April and it is great to see work advancing on the demolition of this site, which will allow us to move forward with our redevelopment plans.
“We aim to create an attractive new residential quarter that sits comfortably within the surrounding architecture – and with a focus on green space – that encourages community use. It will be a fantastic and inclusive neighbourhood, with its own distinctive character, providing a new housing offer on the edge of Ashbrooke and Mowbray Park that also benefits from close proximity to the city centre.”
Sunderland City Council moved to City Hall – a modern public-sector hub, bringing together a range of services under one roof – earlier this year. The old Civic Centre building had seen many of its features become obsolete and was no longer fit for purpose and unable to serve the needs of residents in the city.
The new development is part of a wider programme of regeneration in Sunderland City Centre, that seeks to double the number of people living and working in the area. It is hoped this will provide a welcome boost to existing traders and improve connectivity between the city, neighbouring communities and Mowbray Park. It will also support the council’s plans to build more than 7,000 new homes within the next ten years.
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