£12m regeneration plan for former colliery site bringing hundreds of jobs to Sunderland

Sunderland City Council is looking into the sale of a former colliery site which could create hundreds of jobs.

The council’s cabinet meeting next Tuesday (July 16) is to examine a report on selling three hectares (eight acres) of land, which was once home to Houghton Colliery, Newbottle Street.

The £12m development plan is to be distributed to site developer Hellens, as recommended by the council.

The report states that the “disposal of the site will enable the land to be developed to provide 6,000 sq m of new retail which will expand and complement the current town centre in Houghton.”

The statement also says that there will be 90 new jobs in construction; 135 in the supply chain; and 215 in the retail units. It is set to generate an inward investment of £12m.

Other development plans for the site include a new roundabout, and improved access from Houghton town centre.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, the council’s cabinet member for housing and regeneration, added: “As a council, we have an ongoing policy of selling surplus land and property. We also have a policy of acquiring assets to help our city’s future growth and prosperity.

“In this instance, myself and cabinet colleagues are looking to a decision about selling this parcel of land for new development in Houghton.

“Decisions like this are very much part of this council’s ongoing plans for a making a more dynamic, healthier and vibrant city.”