Plans for new multi-million-pound Sunderland regeneration project to be unveiled

Plans for a new £20 million regeneration project in Sunderland will be outlined at a public consultation launched this week by planning and development consultancy Lichfields.

The proposals by Jomast Developments, on land to the north of Deptford Terrace, could see approximately 7500sq metres of industrial and warehouse space, a number of trade counter units, a 2000sq metre food store, food and drink facilities,  and a petrol filling station built on a five-hectare site adjacent to the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC).

The move is being welcomed by local planning experts as a positive step in the regeneration of a site that has been vacant for more than 15 years – it was previously occupied by buildings associated with the former glass works.

The Sunderland Core Strategy and Development Plan, adopted in January 2020, also features the site within the Deptford ‘Key Employment Area’, reflecting its prominent location and links to the A19, the newly opened SSTC dual carriageway and city centre.

Upwards of 135 jobs could be created during the initial construction phase followed by more than 300 full-time roles as the various premises are completed and taken on by operators. In addition, an impact assessment estimates that the scheme could generate an uplift of £14.6 million in economic output per annum for the local area.

Working on behalf of Jomast, Lichfields is seeking the views of local people on the plans via a digital consultation, which will be live from 9 – 25 February 2022 at the following address: www.deptford-development-sunderland.com. A planning application is expected to follow later this spring.

Senior director of Lichfields Newcastle office Jonathan Wallace said the plans are expected to attract considerable interest from potential occupiers.

He said: “This is a positive development that will regenerate a key strategic location in Sunderland and bring an important site back into use. We will be consulting with local people, interested parties and stakeholders to showcase the many significant benefits the scheme will offer.

“We are seeing strong demand for commercial and industrial properties across the North East as companies look to develop their regional operations on the back of high-quality premises with excellent road links; which makes Deptford Terrace an attractive location.”

Adam Herald, Jomast’s development director, added: “This significant investment will see a big improvement for the area; creating new jobs, boosting the local economy and tapping into the potential that the new Strategic Transport Corridor is unlocking.

“We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible, which will be considered in-depth before our final plans are submitted to the planning authority.”

Founded in 1962, Lichfields offers a range of planning services including economics, heritage, sustainability, and GIS. Its clients include local authorities and government bodies, as well as developers, landowners and operators in the housing, retail, leisure, commercial, waste and recycling and infrastructure sectors.