Work commences on £1m Seaburn promenade makeover

A £1 million project which will transform Seaburn promenade and continue the wider improvements to Sunderland seafront is now underway.

Local contractor Esh Construction will deliver the public realm scheme on Whitburn Road working on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

The walkway which runs from Lowry Road along the city’s seafront – outside of the Stack Seaburn, Seaburn Inn and neighbouring businesses – to Dykelands Road will undergo a raft of improvement works.

New street furniture and seating will be installed and over 3,000m2 of paving laid to match the look of the eastern promenade. New granite planters of varying sizes will adorn the walkway, blooming with colourful flowers and trees to bring a ‘green feel’ to the seafront.

Esh Construction welcomed Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller, to site to officially mark work getting underway. He said: “We’re delighted to be working with Esh to bring forward improvements to the seaside that will build on the fantastic developments we have attracted to the area over the past few years. We’re creating a vibrant seaside destination in Sunderland and ensuring that we maximise the potential of our seafront, with attractive public realm providing plenty of space to both rest and play, alongside the brilliant new leisure spaces and eateries we’re attracting, will make this an increasingly popular destination for residents and visitors.

“Esh has a keen commitment to delivering social value and that’s an absolute focus of this council, to ensure that every pound we spend brings about the greatest possible advantage to local people and businesses.”

Steven Garrigan, Construction Director at Esh Construction, added: “This public realm scheme will enhance Seaburn promenade and provide a more welcoming walkway and seating area in front of the very popular businesses on Whitburn Road.

“Maximising social and economic benefits for the local community is at the core of Esh’s values. Throughout this project we will procure a local supply chain with a local workforce, engage with local education establishments, and provide meaningful work experience opportunities for those keen to pursue a career in construction.”

A new flight of granite steps will be installed at the south end of the scheme facing Dykelands Way and timber bollards installed to create a non-vehicular area to the west of Whitburn Road – between Dykelands Road and Lowry Road.

Work is expected to be completed by late Summer 2022 and will complement the £10 million improvement programme that has already been completed at the seafront.

To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk