.
There have been quite a few posts appearing recently on other threads about "City Centre Residential Developments" and related issues, that are slightly off-topic on those other threads.

So, it seems there is a need for these types of developments to have their own discussion thread.

Now, while any substantial new residential development would eventually result in it's construction being followed on its own 'Project Thread' in the normal way, until they reach that stage they could perhaps all be discussed here on this thread.

Also, any issues around, or comments on (such as what they are like to live in!) existing City Centre residential apartments and other residential locations in the City Centre, can also be discussed on this thread . . .

.

The 'Sunderland Software City' area of town is looking good. If I didn't love where I was so much I'd be looking at the Mowbray Apartments.

I'm sure I posted some photos of the interior of the Mowbray Apartments on here, ---can't remember which thread though, :nuts:---anyway, --from what I can remember, --they looked classy.

.

I'm sure I posted some photos of the interior of the Mowbray Apartments on here, ---can't remember which thread though, :nuts:---anyway, --from what I can remember, --they looked classy.


I think you may mean the ones you posted (one per post) at posts 105 and 106 of the "Photography Thread" . . .

The Mowbray Apartments,

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/mowbrayapartments1.jpg
.


This is part of the inside of Mowbray Apartments

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/mowbrayapartments2.jpg
.


Also, a view of the Mowbray Apartments, from over the Lake

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/mowbrayapartments4.jpg
.



AND ALSO . .

A different view of the old Post Office Apartments,

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/oldpostofficesunniside-2.jpg

I think you may mean the ones you posted (one per post) at posts 105 and 106 of the "Photography Thread".

Thanks NH, ---been racking my brain (what's left of it) -- anyway cheers.

I viewed Mowbray, Echo and several around Norfolk Street before I took mine on the Quayside.

Some great quality flats in Sunderland at the moment

^^^^

Yeah your right, --there are some quality apartments, ----not sure if the old Water board building is part apartments and part Hotel, --but from photos I've seen the interior is fantastic.

As in John Street?

Also, the Post Office building, although not to my taste, has been very well executed.

As in John Street?

Also, the Post Office building, although not to my taste, has been very well executed.

Yes corner of John Street and Borough Road, ---and I think they did a canny job on the old Post office building, ---remember when it was open, ---Grand old building.

The issue I have with the Post Office Building is layout.

I know it's never going to be as flexible as a purpose built apartment, but it could have been done much more efficiently.

The issue I have with the Post Office Building is layout.

I know it's never going to be as flexible as a purpose built apartment, but it could have been done much more efficiently.

I haven't been inside to see the new apartments, --but looking from outside, --the architecture looks good.

.
There have been quite a few posts appearing recently on other threads about "City Centre Residential Developments" and related issues, that are slightly off-topic on those other threads.

So, it seems there is a need for these types of developments to have their own discussion thread.

Now, while any substantial new residential development would eventually result in it's construction being followed on its own 'Project Thread' in the normal way, until they reach that stage they could perhaps all be discussed here on this thread.

Also, any issues around, or comments on (such as what they are like to live in!) existing City Centre residential apartments and other residential locations in the City Centre, can also be discussed on this thread . . .

.

Spot on, thanks :)

Denm - Post Office looks great from the outside, but at the cost of interior layout IMO. I viewed an upper floor penthouse apartment in that building, and there were a few factors that put me off, other than the layout.


Narrow and largely unusable balcony
No seperate kitchen
Overlooked by buildings in West Sunniside
My current apartment in River View is slightly smaller and older, however the view, privacy and purpose built layout more than makes up for it, as well as the guaranteed parking spaces.

The quality of the Post Office building is high, very high but the layout really put me off.

Did I mention that the layout wasn't to my liking? :lol:

.
There have been quite a few posts appearing recently on other threads about "City Centre Residential Developments" and related issues, that are slightly off-topic on those other threads.

So, it seems there is a need for these types of developments to have their own discussion thread.

Now, while any substantial new residential development would eventually result in it's construction being followed on its own 'Project Thread' in the normal way, until they reach that stage they could perhaps all be discussed here on this thread.

Also, any issues around, or comments on (such as what they are like to live in!) existing City Centre residential apartments and other residential locations in the City Centre, can also be discussed on this thread . . .

.

Good idea NH, ---this will help with --slight off topics as you pointed out, --cheers.

Spot on, thanks :)

Denm - Post Office looks great from the outside, but at the cost of interior layout IMO. I viewed an upper floor penthouse apartment in that building, and there were a few factors that put me off, other than the layout.


Narrow and largely unusable balcony
No seperate kitchen
Overlooked by buildings in West Sunniside
My current apartment in River View is slightly smaller and older, however the view, privacy and purpose built layout more than makes up for it, as well as the guaranteed parking spaces.

The quality of the Post Office building is high, very high but the layout really put me off.

Did I mention that the layout wasn't to my liking? :lol:


Yes I think you did mention the layout marra, ---:lol::lol: cheers.

Spot on, thanks :)

Denm - Post Office looks great from the outside, but at the cost of interior layout IMO. I viewed an upper floor penthouse apartment in that building, and there were a few factors that put me off, other than the layout.


Narrow and largely unusable balcony
No seperate kitchen
Overlooked by buildings in West Sunniside
My current apartment in River View is slightly smaller and older, however the view, privacy and purpose built layout more than makes up for it, as well as the guaranteed parking spaces.

The quality of the Post Office building is high, very high but the layout really put me off.

Did I mention that the layout wasn't to my liking? :lol:

I went to the opening day viewings for these when they were first done. Was generally impressed with things until I went into the penthouses you mention. Walked into the bedroom with a few other people and the woman showing us about, looked about a bit and then asked where the wardrobes go. The woman went a bit red and mumbled something about the other bedroom. 'So its a one bedroom flat then' I asked, she just turned and walked upstairs to the kitchen... :lol: I did like the older part though.

I went to the opening day viewings for these when they were first done. Was generally impressed with things until I went into the penthouses you mention. Walked into the bedroom with a few other people and the woman showing us about, looked about a bit and then asked where the wardrobes go. The woman went a bit red and mumbled something about the other bedroom. 'So its a one bedroom flat then' I asked, she just turned and walked upstairs to the kitchen... :lol: I did like the older part though.

It's right enough, the layout didn't flow enough for me, either.

For those who are interested, this is the interior/exterior of my building/ apartment. It may give you an insight as to what it's like to actually live here, as many people assume these new developments are all rabbit hutches. They're not.

If anyone is really interested I'll take some of the basement/lower ground floor parking area! :lol:

All of these photographs are my own work, hosted on Photobucket.

Firstly the exterior:

From the NGC roof
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/337071_10150910360400104_730840103_21492757_853641727_o.jpg

From Low Street
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/392265_10150910348215104_730840103_21492697_1337542792_n.jpg

Communal stairwell.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0093.jpg

Very well maintained and a credit to the management company that looks after the building.

Main balcony from Lounge
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0292.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0290.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0083.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0084.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0077.jpg

Second balcony from Master Bedroom
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0295.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0296.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0297.jpg

These are the main attraction for me living here, of course the interiors are up to a high standard, but they'd be nothing special without the views.

Interior:

Lounge/Dining area
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0079.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0081.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0082.jpg

A really good size, I think, for an apartment. Certainly more living space than the 3 bedroom local authority house I grew up in in Washington.

Kitchen:

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/316055_10150960242175104_730840103_21709156_1384929957_n.jpg

Small, galley kitchen. The main attraction is that it's not part of the living space, which I really don't like. No window, though!

Master bedroom:

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0085.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0087.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0088.jpg

Great size for an apartment. The second bedroom (not pictured) is approx 3m square and the master is 5.5m (narrowing to 4.5m) by 3m

Bathroom and hallway

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0090.jpg
http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/DSCN0091.jpg

Apologies for the large image content, and hopefully this isn't too off topic, but I'd like to share the living experience I have in Sunderland City Centre.

I viewed lots of apartments before settling on this one, including Echo 24, Bonners Raff (really liked these ones, but were very expensive and not a great loation IMO), Old Post Office, and a multitude around Ashbrooke and Norfolk Street/Sunniside. Settled on River View as the views are superb, the flat more spacious than Echo, cheaper than Bonner's Raff, and guaranteed secure parking with remote control entry.

In addition, floorplan and 3D:

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/LAYOUT.jpg

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x419/MondeoMan1989/RENDER.jpg

^^^^


Thanks for the photos marra, ---some very good shots there, ---your Apartment looks good, --and the views are fantastic, --cheers.

penthouse, ---did you get to look around the Hawksley House building on the corner of John Street,? ---I saw some photos of the interior, --and it looks fantastic.

That's one I didn't look at - mostly because I was of the understanding that they were all serviced apartments, I didn't realise until much later that they were available as standard lets.

Also had a look in North Haven, which is now looking very dated indeed.

That's one I didn't look at - mostly because I was of the understanding that they were all serviced apartments, I didn't realise until much later that they were available as standard lets.

Also had a look in North Haven, which is now looking very dated indeed.

Think the Hawksley House apartments will be pricey like, ---and I've never seen inside the North Haven properties, cheers.

Well, the type of apartment I want command high rents, which I accept, but I don't like being ripped off. The main reason I avoided Bonner's Raff and Echo. Echo is more reasonabley priced but the flats are matchboxes.

As for North Haven, although a similarly good outlook to what I have is offered, the interiors are showing their age - very late 1980s/ early 1990s in style. The apartments do have a nice corner outlook window, but that doesn't make up for the dark, dated interiors, heavily overstyled kitchens and bathrooms etc. Some of them look like a Dynasty set.

Well, the type of apartment I want command high rents, which I accept, but I don't like being ripped off. The main reason I avoided Bonner's Raff and Echo. Echo is more reasonabley priced but the flats are matchboxes.

As for North Haven, although a similarly good outlook to what I have is offered, the interiors are showing their age - very late 1980s/ early 1990s in style. The apartments do have a nice corner outlook window, but that doesn't make up for the dark, dated interiors, heavily overstyled kitchens and bathrooms etc. Some of them look like a Dynasty set.

Didn't realise the Bonnersfield and Echo buildings apartments were small, --and I remember when North Haven was being built and people talking of wanting to live their, --but I haven't seen the interior, --- btw, --I think your apartment looks a decent size, and a good location.

Thanks marra - it's largely unoccupied to be honest, I work away a great deal and sometimes wonder if I should move to somewhere cheaper, then I get home and go on the balcony and decide not to.

They're not tiny in Bonners but certainly no bigger than an average 2-3 bedroomed flat in a new build development is.

Thanks marra - it's largely unoccupied to be honest, I work away a great deal and sometimes wonder if I should move to somewhere cheaper, then I get home and go on the balcony and decide not to.

They're not tiny in Bonners but certainly no bigger than an average 2-3 bedroomed flat in a new build development is.

When speaking of Bonnersfield, ---a couple of years ago, there were plans for more apartments around that area, ---but since St Peters may become a World Heritage site, --then I think planning around the area had to be changed.

When speaking of Bonnersfield, ---a couple of years ago, there were plans for more apartments around that area, ---but since St Peters may become a World Heritage site, --then I think planning around the area had to be changed.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, given the other sites that could be developed not very far away.

*Cough* Climing frame on High St West *Cough*

That's not necessarily a bad thing, given the other sites that could be developed not very far away.

*Cough* Climing frame on High St West *Cough*


Ah the Poterfield Plaza site, ---it's a real shame this project came to a Holt, --and I thought it would have been bought by now as it has very good potential, ---just got to hope it doesn't stand this way for much longer, --last time I looked, --it was becoming a dumping ground.:ohno:

Took some pics of the Liverpool house project. A Builder approached and during the discussion said the Offices and apartmens should be completed by Aug/Sept. :)

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030578.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030579.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030586.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030572.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030571.jpg

^^^^


Thanks for the photos Sup, ---looks as though the back of the buildings are finished, ---and it's very good to hear that the Development will be completed by late Summer, --very good news, --cheers.

^^^^


Thanks for the photos Sup, ---looks as though the back of the buildings are finished, ---and it's very good to hear that the Development will be completed by late Summer, --very good news, --cheers.

Aye very good, its the same company who completed the work on the building next to it on Norfolk street which looks really smart. I know externally they are changing the appearance so hopefully Liverpool house will have a similar finish as the current style is dated to say the least. Lets hope for a buyer for the Style Furnishings building also to get that kicked off and start making the main road into Sunniside a lot more attractive.

Aye very good, its the same company who completed the work on the building next to it on Norfolk street which looks really smart. I know externally they are changing the appearance so hopefully Liverpool house will have a similar finish as the current style is dated to say the least. Lets hope for a buyer for the Style Furnishings building also to get that kicked off and start making the main road into Sunniside a lot more attractive.


I totally agree, ---and hope the external work will be as good as the building you mentioned, ---and I really hope someone also buys the Porterfield site, --this part of High Street could look so different.

Think this is good news, ----this from the Sunderland Echo, --

Sunderland empty property blackspots get £600,000 boost






Published on Sunday 3 June 2012 12:02



MORE than £600,000 has been set aside to help tackle the problem of empty properties on Wearside.


Sunderland City Council is one of 20 authorities across the country that will receive funds to tackle clusters of empty homes.

The money will be given to the council to be used to bring back into use 105 empty dwellings in specific areas of the city.

These areas include Hendon, Millfield, Sulgrave and properties just north of the Wearmouth Bridge.

Read more http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/sunderland-empty-property-blackspots-get-600-000-boost-1-4613334

Pictures taken of the flats being renovated opposite the new travelodge in Sunniside last Friday morning as you can see the 'first phase' is complete and looking a lot better than before, the development looks well on schedule to be completed by the end of the summer:

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_111.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_112.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_113.jpg

^^^^


Thanks for the photo updates marra, ---there will certainly a big improvement when the buildings are complete, ---btw, --do you know what retailers will be taking the ground floor? cheers.

Its meant to be office space from what I recall the guy saying. Not sure if they have any tenant's lined up.

Its meant to be office space from what I recall the guy saying. Not sure if they have any tenant's lined up.

I wasn't sure what the ground floors would be used for, --and thought it could be for retail, --so it's to be office space, -- cheers.

Took some photos of Liverpool house this morning and what a transformation from what was, ive quoted the pre renovated pics on the bottom for people to appreciate the difference. Thank god this has been done before the opening of the hotel!

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_035.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_034.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/IMAGE_033.jpg





http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030578.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030572.jpg

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s481/supsup7/P1030571.jpg

Thanks for the photos mate, ----what a difference there is with those buildings, --the work on them has definitely made them look a lot better, ---lets hope the Council has plans for the building next door, ---whether it will be similar, --or if they Demolish, ----but it needs some action, --cheers.

Found this, its on Fitz architechts website for a development in Nile Street, Sunniside:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/residential-nilestreet

Looks very decent, there is also this for Scotia Quay:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/commercial-scotiaquay

Not looking so good, but different!

Found this, its on Fitz architechts website for a development in Nile Street, Sunniside:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/residential-nilestreet

Looks very decent, there is also this for Scotia Quay:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/commercial-scotiaquay

Not looking so good, but different!

Good find that but what is that second one all about. Hideous.

Found this, its on Fitz architechts website for a development in Nile Street, Sunniside:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/residential-nilestreet

Looks very decent, there is also this for Scotia Quay:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/commercial-scotiaquay

Not looking so good, but different!

Interesting find mate,----I like the first image, --but like keka 71 ---I think the second looks weird, --and I don't like it --btw, --do you know if they are recent proposals ?cheers.

Interesting find mate,----I like the first image, --but like keka 71 ---I think the second looks weird, --and I don't like it --btw, --do you know if they are recent proposals ?cheers.

Aye its horiffic isnt it, but certainly different and sometimes different has to be implemented to cause attraction, never know it may appear alot better when built

Not sure how recent the pair of them are or how realistic they are given Sunderlands current housing market, or more to the point lack of. Would certinaly good to see the Nile St development go ahead because to take the attention from the rather basic relatively new Biscop house. There is so much land ready to be developed around there it would be good to see something starting.

Interesting find mate,----I like the first image, --but like keka 71 ---I think the second looks weird, --and I don't like it --btw, --do you know if they are recent proposals ?cheers.

The Nile street development is from about 7-8 years ago, so probably now unlikely to go ahead

Looks very decent, there is also this for Scotia Quay:

http://www.fitzarchitects.co.uk/commercial-scotiaquay

Not looking so good, but different!

That site at Scotia Quay will never happen, not unless they excavate the umpteen tonnes of concrete that's beneath the ground. SMMI looked at the site about 10 years ago (it's council owned), and ended up going to Durham instead.

The Nile street development is from about 7-8 years ago, so probably now unlikely to go ahead


Didn't know this was proposed all that time ago, ---and will be a shame it probably won't be built, --cheers.

Aye its horiffic isnt it, but certainly different and sometimes different has to be implemented to cause attraction, never know it may appear alot better when built

Not sure how recent the pair of them are or how realistic they are given Sunderlands current housing market, or more to the point lack of. Would certinaly good to see the Nile St development go ahead because to take the attention from the rather basic relatively new Biscop house. There is so much land ready to be developed around there it would be good to see something starting.


Just read Le Chuck post, ----and would seem the Nile Street proposal was quite a few years ago, --and is unlikely will be built, --shame because I think it looks good, --and would be a welcome Development.

That site at Scotia Quay will never happen, not unless they excavate the umpteen tonnes of concrete that's beneath the ground. SMMI looked at the site about 10 years ago (it's council owned), and ended up going to Durham instead.

Thanks for the information, ---cheers.

The Nile street development is from about 7-8 years ago, so probably now unlikely to go ahead

Thats quite supprising as its got Biscop house in the design and thats only 2-2.5 years old, I couldnt imagine it to be the same architect could you? I got a pic while I was in the area of the proposed site, Sadly cant see it being built if the proposal is that old.


http://imageshack.us/a/img145/8339/imageozm.jpg

Thats quite supprising as its got Biscop house in the design and thats only 2-2.5 years old, I couldnt imagine it to be the same architect could you? I got a pic while I was in the area of the proposed site, Sadly cant see it being built if the proposal is that old.


http://imageshack.us/a/img145/8339/imageozm.jpg

July 2007, so nearly 6 years
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/luxury-apartment-plan-1-1137043

Around the same time the Biscop House were selling
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices/tyne-and-wear/sunderland/villiers-street/

^^^^

Looking at those previous plans, --and it's a shame those didn't go ahead, --in particular I liked the Nile street proposals, ---and who knows, --we could see something similar in the future, --cheers.

July 2007, so nearly 6 years
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/luxury-apartment-plan-1-1137043

Around the same time the Biscop House were selling
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices/tyne-and-wear/sunderland/villiers-street/

It doesnt seem anywhere near that amount of time since it was being built. I did think closer to 4 years upon reflection but just left it.

Cant believe one shifted for £165,000, worth no where near that now.