Member Article

Green light for ARC plans

Plans to rejuvenate one of the major gateways into Sunderland city centre could create up to 450 new jobs. Offices, apartments, retail space, and a hotel are to be built on Farringdon Row on the western approach into the City.

The scheme, led by regeneration company Sunderland arc, was approved on Tuesday. Developers aim to start work on site in late summer. It will be the first of a three phase £130m development for Farringdon Row. The scheme aims to improve the appearance of the area through landscaping and public spaces.

Bryan Sanderson, chairman of Sunderland arc, said: “This is fantastic news for the City of Sunderland. To see work start on this key site will be a massive step forward and just the beginning in terms of the arc’s ambitious plans for the City.

“We have already seen great progress being made in the Sunniside area to the east of the City. This new development on Farringdon Row will inject new vibrancy and wealth into another area of the City, transforming the western approach into Sunderland and making the most of the site’s magnificent waterside views of the River Wear.”

Steve Gawthorpe, area director of English Partnerships - the Government’s Urban Regeneration Agency, said: “This is another milestone in delivering high quality urban regeneration on one of Sunderland’s key development sites. It augurs well for future key projects within the city; indicating the attractiveness of Sunderland as a location for investors and developers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .