£20m Sunderland regeneration project open to public consultation

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

The proposals by Jomast Developments on land to the north of Deptford Terrace could see approximately 7,500 sq. m of industrial and warehouse space, a number of trade counter units, a 2,000 sq. m food store, food and drink facilities, and a petrol filling station built on a five-hectare site.

The move is being welcomed by local planning experts as a positive step in the regeneration of a site that has been vacant for over 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 over 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 £14.6m 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. A planning application is expected to follow later this spring.

Senior director of Lichfields Newcastle office Jonathan Wallace 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.”

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