£3.5m refurbishment begins on Sunderland former police station

Work to transform a distinctive former police station into a stylish new office block is underway after a Sunderland construction partner was appointed.

North East developer Hanro has engaged Sunderland based Brims to carry out work on the former Gilbridge Police Station. The redevelopment will be renamed The Yard.

A comprehensive £3.5m refurb will be carried out by Brims Construction Limited, creating a modern office base for companies of all sizes. A planning application was approved last year to convert the premises to offices with proposed facilities such as fitness space for workers based within the workspace.

The building had been owned by Sunderland City Council but was sold to allow Hanro to enhance the Riverside Sunderland area, with a programme of improvements that will attract more businesses into the heart of the city, providing a boost to city centre traders and complementing the office spaces being created on the former Vaux Brewery site.

There are expected to be some changes to the external fascia of the building, as well as a full internal fit out. The Yard’s development is the latest investment announcement in and around Riverside Sunderland.

Laura Lloyd, who is leading development on behalf of Hanro, said: “We’re proud to be working with a Sunderland firm to carry out the refurb of a building we’re confident will attract more businesses to the city centre, complementing the large scale office developments on the former Brewery site.

“It’s clear to see the pace and scale of change underway in Sunderland right now, and we’re proud to be playing our part in that, bringing forward a development that will further enliven a transforming part of the city.”

She added: “Riverside Sunderland is becoming a vibrant business district, and it’s exciting that we are creating opportunities for ambitious companies to be part of it, and to stand as part of the same community as brands like Ocado and Hays Travel, who have made this their home too.”