Tolent wins £40 million Riverside Sunderland housing contract

A contractor has secured a deal to work on a £40 million flagship city centre housing development.

Tolent will build 135 homes on the former Vaux brewery site, as part of the Riverside Sunderland scheme.

The properties will be the first of 1000 planned for the area under the regeneration programme led by Sunderland City Council.

The homes will stand alongside The Beam and City Hall – which have already been erected on the site – and feature renewable energy and smart technology.

Construction is due to start this summer, with the first homes earmarked for completion by the end of 2023.

Paul Webster, Tolent chief executive, said: “Vaux neighbourhood is an amazing project that showcases the strides being taken in Sunderland to modernise the city centre.

“The world-class houses being built will provide a community fit for the future and an archetype for sustainable housing.

“As a truly local business, we are proud to be involved in the project and to showcase our ability to meet and exceed the capabilities of national contractors on a local level.

“The project will complement a number of local landmarks that we have constructed, which include The Beam, Beacon of Light and Echo Building.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “The housing developments on Riverside Sunderland will be world-class, and Tolent is an ideal partner to deliver them.

“We’re innovating, using modern methods of construction, renewable energy and smart technology that align to our low-carbon and smart city ambitions, and that will also allow the next generation to learn how to build the homes of the future.”