Sunderland Sheepfolds regeneration update as major infrastructure works approved

Major regeneration plans for the Sheepfolds area of Sunderland have taken a step forward

Sunderland's ambitious regeneration vision for the Sheepfolds area has edged closer to reality, as city leaders endorsed the project this week. Sunderland City Council's senior cabinet members have shown support for appointing a contractor tasked with executing a multi-million-pound infrastructure overhaul.

This decision ties into the broader Riverside Sunderland urban regeneration endeavour, which promises a new pedestrian bridge across the river Wear to unite Sheepfolds with the old Vaux site, alongside enhancements to roads and footpaths, additional cycle paths, and improved public spaces.

Aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating further development near the Stadium of Light and the recently launched Sheepfolds Stables leisure hub, these upgrades will also sync with the plan for several hundred new homes in the Sheepfolds district.

They are poised to provide strategic connections to key local projects like the Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) and the upcoming National Esports Arena. Demolition work has already commenced at Sheepfolds Industrial Estate to clear the way for residential development, and the council is in the process of selecting a housing developer, expected early next year.

The recent decision by Sunderland City Council’s cabinet relates to a scheme spanning five phases of public realm enhancements at Sheepfolds, intended to be "sequential and coordinated with ongoing and future development activity". The first phase of the project is set to commence soon.

The ambitious project set to be completed by August 2025, known as the "Way of Light", is expected to enhance routes from Sunderland city centre to the Stadium of Light. A prior planning application made mention of its distinctive moniker.

This significant development includes Phase one's ‘Sheepfolds Bridge’ and subway, receiving the thumbs up from the council’s Planning and Highways Committee just last July in 2024. The intent behind this phase is to foster better connectivity and encourage walking and cycling across the area.

Cabinet documents reveal that the foremost aim of the project's initial phase is to "optimise the visitor experience for the Women’s Rugby World Cup event in August, 2025 and improve accessibility to Sheepfolds Stables and the Stadium of Light". It has been disclosed that construction is due to commence later this year.

Future public space enhancements are part of a 'design and delivery strategy', heavily hinged on the completion of proposed housing at the Sheepfolds site.

A cabinet dossier indicates that infrastructure developments at Sheepfolds could have an estimated financial implication of approximately £9.7 million, covered by council capital funding alongside 'recycled' developer contributions via section 106 planning agreements.

At City Hall, on Thursday, October 17, Councillor Kevin Johnston, the cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, presented these plans to the cabinet. He emphasised that the first tranche of infrastructure advancements will ease pedestrian movement on event days and asserted the project's completion – augmented by a new footbridge over the river Wear slated to open next year – might craft a transformative chapter for Sunderland.

Cllr Johnston, speaking about the Riverside Sunderland regeneration project, stated: "The delivery of the project is fundamental to the successful regeneration of Riverside Sunderland and completes the physical and economic connection between the city centre, the Sheepfolds neighbourhood and existing residential communities to the north of the river."

He further added that the project will enhance accessibility to various local landmarks and improve pedestrian flow within the Sheepfolds neighbourhood. The councillor also mentioned the potential for enhancing the visitor experience on match days and during concerts and events, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2025.

He suggested that the work could create a Sunderland equivalent of London's famous "Wembley Way". Sunderland City Council’s cabinet has agreed to progress with the procurement and award of the necessary contracts required to deliver this key element of the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan.

The council had previously issued an invitation to tender for the works in September, with responses due by the end of October and a planned contract award date in mid-November, 2024. Design work began in April.

The project is now ready to kick off as soon as contracts are exchanged. Councillor Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, expressed her enthusiasm about the early plans for Sheepfolds, stating she was "blown away" and that it was "so exciting to see" the ongoing development in the area.

Councillor Michael Butler, cabinet member for children’s services, child poverty and skills and Southwick ward representative, praised the project as a "phenomenal piece of work". He added: "All roads and bridges lead to Southwick and it creates so much more than that, it creates that pathway from Southwick up into the estates all the way through to the city centre."

He expressed hope that the project would inspire young people to engage more with the activities and housing opportunities that will eventually be available there, and potentially find employment in the city centre.

Over £500 million has already been invested by Sunderland City Council and its partners as part of the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan. City leaders are optimistic that the next phase of improvements at Sheepfolds will attract further investment as the transformation of the wider city centre site on both sides of the river Wear continues.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the plans would "expand the perimeter of the city centre" and enhance the match day experience for football fans. He also mentioned that efforts were being made to create economic opportunities for city residents.

"It’s linking in and it’s enabling the people in Southwick, or Hendon and other parts of the city and showing them that the jobs and opportunities that we’re creating as a council with our partners in the city centre are for them," he added.

"It’s a very important piece of work so I’m delighted it’s coming forward and congratulate everyone who has been involved in its development." For more information on Riverside Sunderland, visit: https://www.riversidesunderland.com

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