Member Article

Initial steelwork erected at Sunderland Vaux development

The redevelopment of Sunderland’s Vaux site is beginning to take shape, with steelwork now in place on an initial 60,000sq ft office building.

Purchased by Sunderland City Council in 2011, the ground and first floor frame now are now in position at the development’s first plot.

Construction work is being delivered by Carillion, part of the Siglion joint venture with Sunderland City Council and Igloo Regeneration, as part of the 20-year programme to transform five key sites across the city.

Standing five storeys high when complete, the flagship development will provide high-quality office space in the heart of the city, and will also include ground floor space suitable for a bar, café and restaurant that will overlook the River Wear and Wearmouth Bridge.

The building will be completed in June 2018, and is available to let in suites from 1,000 sq ft up to the entire building of 60,000 sq ft.

John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “The Vaux site is such a focal point for Sunderland and its position as one of the main entrance points of the city centre is hugely important for those visiting.

“It’s fantastic to see the building begin to take shape and see this important location transformed into a development that reflects the modern and dynamic city that Sunderland is.

“The Vaux development, when it is completed, will be a space that will create new jobs, workplaces and original communities. It’s a huge step forward and we hope that the second phase will follow soon after the first building.”

Eddie Tribe, Carillion’s project director, added: “It’s great to start work on this iconic site. Our work will create jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

“We have agreed a target to achieve 60 per cent of spend with local suppliers and aim to employ 16 apprentices throughout the construction programme, with further opportunities within our supply chain for employment for local people.

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