£3.5m Sunderland based development plan sees progress

The former Gilbridge Police Station in Sunderland City Centre is quickly progressing and transforming to become ‘The Yard’ under £3.5m development plan.

Since 1972 this landmark building has been part of Sunderland’s main police station that served Wearside for decades before Northumbria Police vacated the premises in 2015. The 3,000 sq m building was selected for redevelopment for some time, owing to its central location. In 2020, Hanro was confirmed as the preferred developer for the building after a competitive bidding process took place.

In March this year, work began to transform the building into a multi-purpose office space that is to be named The Yard. North East developer Hanro has engaged Sunderland based Brims to carry out work on the former Gilbridge Police Station. There are plans for some changes to take place on the external fascia of the building, as well as a full internal fit out.

The Yard’s development is the largest in a long line of positive investment announcements in and around Riverside Sunderland, which is being resurrected as a mixed-use urban quarter, where people will live, work and play.

Work is now nearing completion on the top floors of the building, which formerly housed the officers’ club, ready for potential tenants when the building is handed over in November 2022.

The lower floors are also quickly taking shape. The ground floor, which will also feature a business lounge, meeting rooms and a leisure space, is now fully under offer. There is still a collection of remaining units available on other floors, including offices that range from 500 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. depending on the requirements of the tenant.

Bradley Hall supported Hanro through the acquisition of the former Gilbridge Police Station and is now letting the units at The Yard. Helen Wall, senior surveyor at Bradley Hall said: “Having lived in Sunderland all my life it is great to see the Former Gilbridge Police Station taking shape as The Yard, providing 23,000 sq ft of office accommodation in the heart of the Riverside regeneration scheme.

“It is fantastic to see that Riverside Sunderland is fast becoming a vibrant business district and Bradley Hall are proud to be involved in this exciting period of growth for the city.”

Sharon Appleby, chief executive at the Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), said: “The development of The Yard is set to be a great investment to the growing business district of Sunderland and will be an excellent facility for SME’s right in the heart of the city centre.”

Laura Lloyd, head of Portfolio at The Hanro Group said: “We’ve had a real mix of enquiries, anything from accountants to recruitment firms,” she said. “It’s such a great location, right in the centre of the new CBD (central business district) and it’s slightly more affordable for smaller, newer businesses who aren’t looking for huge HQ premises.

Throughout the refurbishment, builders have been able to maintain original features due to the buildings solid concrete frame, including the Brutalist facade and terrazzo main staircase. However, the cell wall of the building has been demolished to create a space appropriate to house a car park to accompany the offices.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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