Wates secures Sunderland Vaux Housing contract

A builder has been appointed to deliver a 135-home city centre development.

Wates Construction is working on Sunderland’s Vaux Housing scheme.

The firm has replaced Tolent, which fell into administration earlier this year.

Work is expected to resume in the latter part of 2023, with completion earmarked in autumn 2025.

It will include apartments, townhouses and maisonettes, which bosses say will be built using modern methods of construction and harness renewable energy systems and smart technology to reduce emissions.

 

 

They added more than 20 will be built to higher Passivhaus energy efficiency standards.

Vaux Housing is being rolled out by Sunderland City Council, and will sit as one of four residential communities across the wider Riverside Sunderland housing, commercial and leisure programme.

David Wingfield, Wates Construction regional director for Yorkshire and North East, said: “This scheme will offer more than just new homes – they’ll be cheaper to heat, better for the environment and support a strong community in the heart of Sunderland.

“We’re well on with the preconstruction phase, drawing upon our extensive expertise delivering sustainable builds across the region and nationally to ensure we meet Passivhaus standards wherever possible.”

 

 

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for dynamic city, added: “These homes will deliver a huge boost to the city centre; the more people living and working in the new community, the more they spend money in our shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

“I can’t wait to see these attractive new homes welcome residents.”

Vaux Housing has been supported by £6.1 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and £2.1 million from the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities.