Sunderland and Durham Area - Smaller Projects (without their own thread) [Archive]

Le Chuck

August 7th, 2007, 07:46 PM

Tesco's Vaux site plan blocked

Tesco's plans for the former Vaux brewery look doomed today, after a Government planning inspector backed Sunderland City Council's ideas for the site.
Vaux closed in 1999 and the supermarket giant snapped up the site soon after. It has stood empty ever since, with Tesco and regeneration company Sunderland arc locked in a battle over its future.

The arc wants to build offices, apartments, hotels and shops on the 16-acre site, plus a pedestrian bridge into Sheepfolds, in a scheme it says will create 3,000 jobs.

Tesco has been drawing up its own scheme - its third - which would be based around a large store and other shops, along with homes, offices, car parking and a public square.

But those plans appear to be in tatters today, after a Government planning inspector ruled against any large scale shopping development on the Vaux site.

Today's report is the result of a public inquiry last year into changes to the council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP) - the official framework for the long-term development of land across the city.

The inspector's report rubberstamps the council's plan to regenerate the site as a mixed use development, in line with the arc's proposals.

And crucially, it rules that any major shopping development, such as that proposed by Tesco, should be confined to a central retail area - which does not include the Vaux site.

Tesco could still press ahead with its scheme but any planning application will have to considered in light of the newly-approved UDP - and will almost certainly be rejected.

The supermarket would then face would face a lengthy and expensive public inquiry in a bid to prove its plans justify ignoring official policy - with no guarantee of success at the end.

In his report, which is binding on all parties, the inspector also endorses the future development use of major sites such as the Holmeside Triangle and other important sites along the riverside, such as the former Grove Cranes site and Sheepfolds.

City council leader Coun Bob Symonds said: "We welcome this report. It is an important step forward for the city, clarifying the planning framework for central Sunderland and helping to increase developers' confidence in investing in the city.

"It gives us a clear steer forward for securing the future development of the Vaux site and the other large development sites within central Sunderland.

"We will now be working closely with our partners to take forward the inspector's decisons."

The changes to the UDP will be formally adopted by the City Council in September.

The report will be available to view here.

Mick Thurlbeck, chairman of the North East Chamber of Commerce's Sunderland committee, said: "This is brilliant news.

"I just hope they can move forward on it quickly as everybody knows it has got the whole regeneration of the city centre locked."

He called on Tesco to admit defeat in its battle to develop the Vaux site: "I think it is time for Tesco to get into real, detailed negotiations with the council
over an alternative site and let the city move on in the way it wants to."

Arc chief executive David Walker said: "We welcome the inspector's report into Sunderland's UDP and are delighted at his decision not to allow large-scale retail on the Vaux site.

"It is great news for the arc and the people of Sunderland and comes on the back of the Secretary of State's approval of our plans in March this year.

"This is another step towards realising our vision for Vaux, which is a crucial gateway site. We now need to take the report away and analyse it more thoroughly in relation to Vaux and the arc's other key sites.

"However, early indications are very positive and the report appears to retain the integrity of the arc's Business Plan.

"We will be working closely with Sunderland City Council and our other partners to ensure progress is made on all of the arc's development sites."

Irish Blood English Heart

August 13th, 2007, 04:36 AM

Good stuff, hope they sell the sity to ARC soon.

Bluegate74

September 1st, 2007, 11:55 AM

Brilliant news for the people of Sunderland, and a much needed slap in the face for the arrogant corporate beast that is Tesco.

Talisker

September 1st, 2007, 09:00 PM

MackemLad

September 6th, 2007, 12:57 AM

Well that's taken nearly 5 years to reach this stage, when there was talk of the ARC having the option of a compulsary purchase order back in 2002. We're still miles off, as the site is still owned by Tesco, and ARC don't appear to have the capital to build anything much - they can only seek outside investment and build things in small phases. The question is, would anyone want to invest in sunderland at the moment, especially in classy designs that would no doubt be expensive to build.

It's a fair point but i have a feeling we will see big things happening in Sunderland in the next 5-10years and my instinct tells me the football club will have a lot to do with this. The lads behind the investment in the club are builders etc and have already had a meeting with the guys behind the regeneration in the Sunniside area and have also discussed with the council the building of a hotel by the Stadium.

Sunderland has come on a hell of a lot in the past few years and is improving all the time. It is soon to have the only Olympic swimming pool between Leeds and Edinburgh, it is the only city to show West End shows between Leeds and Edinburgh, it will soon have the biggest bowling alley in the North East and there is generally a feeling that the city if progressing fairly well.

Le Chuck

September 13th, 2007, 01:34 PM

Vaux site bid just weeks away

By Kevin Clarke
A bid to buy Sunderland's former Vaux brewery site is just weeks away, the Echo has learned.
The site has stood empty since the brewery closed eight years ago and supermarket giant Tesco, which owns the land, has been locked in a dispute with city regeneration agency Sunderland arc.

Now regional development agency One NorthEast, which is backing the arc's plans, has appointed valuers to put a price on the site – and plans to make Tesco an offer next month.

The move comes after a public inquiry rubberstamped the city council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP), the official development blueprint for the city, which identifies what kind of building should be allowed where.

The new UDP rules out using the Vaux site for shops, meaning Tesco would face a lenghty and expensive public inquiry if it tired to press ahead with its cheme – with no guarntee ogf success at the end.
One NorthEast has appointed valaution experts GVA Lamb and Edge to put a rpice tag on the site.

The valuation is expected to be completed by mid-October, with an offer made to Tesco soon after.

Arc property development manager Michael Black said "With
the publication in August of the Planning Inspector's report, the planning framework for the Vaux site is now much more clearly defined.

"In valuation terms, land is really only worth what you can develop upon it, so planning considerations play a large part in the assessment.

"It is a highly complex process and it is for that reason that GVA Lamb and Edge, one of the UK's leading property advisers, have been appointed to undertake this very important commission."

In the meantime, discussions are still going on between the arc and Tesco.

Sunderland arc chief executive David Walker commented: "We are continuing our dialogue with Tesco over the purchase of the site.

"We have kept them updated on our progress and meetings are scheduled to discuss the matter further – clearly, the valuation plays a large part in these discussions."

Le Chuck

October 10th, 2007, 07:59 PM

By Marissa Carruthers
The Bridges bosses will be given first refusal to transform Crowtree Leisure Centre into a shopping centre, it emerged today.
The proposal would bring to an end years of speculation over the site's future, after it was announced that the centre would close its doors when the Aquatic Centre, next to the Stadium of Light, opens next year.

Today, Sunderland City Council's cabinet will decide whether to give Land Securities the chance to put forward plans to develop the site.

City chiefs hope that extending the current shopping centre will boost the economy and help the city to claw back some of the £1billion it loses annually to neighbouring shopping centre rivals.

In a report to the cabinet, Phil Barrett, the council's director of development and regeneration, said: "It is now some six years since the completion of the last major retail development in the city - Bridges II.

"Since that time a number of major retail developments or refurbishments have taken place in Newcastle, the MetroCentre and Dalton Park.

"All have the potential of attracting shoppers from within Sunderland's catchment area, to the detriment of the city centre."

The Crowtree site has already been earmarked by the council to house shops, restaurants, cafes, leisure and businesses.

Land Securities has already revealed it wants to extend The Bridges further after attracting half a million shoppers per week – the highest shopping centre footfall in the region.

In April, Land Securities regional director Gerald Jennings said: "Land Securities would welcome the opportunity to extend The Bridges to bring further retailers into the city and to build on the success achieved so far."

Mr Barrett added: "Land Securities is the council's existing partner for The Bridges. A good working relationship already exists and there is a clear drive for them to ensure that their existing investment is enhanced by the prospective
development.

"They already own property adjacent to The Bridges and although there is no commitment at this stage, they have indicated that, should preferred developer status be secured, it could act as a catalyst to bring forward further proposals for development and acquisitions."

Mr Jennings added: "We are aware there is a proposal going forward to Cabinet today. We await the outcome of the city's deliberations."
The plans come as building work has finished in Seaham on Byron Place shopping mall.

Asda became the first store to start trading at the £18million complex last month, with the rest of the complex due to open on November 12.

Shops will include Argos, Wilkinsons, Home Bargains, Farm Foods, Peacocks, Bet Fred Bookmakers, Park Lane Cards and Select - backed by extensive car parking and six bus stops on South Terrace.

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Bridges-to-buy-Crowtree.3363483.jp

MackemLad

October 17th, 2007, 11:33 PM

The City Green development near Park Lane is underway, details here: www.citygreen.co.uk

Also a 33 storey tall building is planned for the Holmeside area called Spirit of Sunderland:

http://www.sunderlandarc.co.uk/_media/devSites/imgHolmeside_SpiritofSunderland2.jpg

Also the new apartments and bowling alley next to the cinema and casino are well underway. Anyone know what will happen to the Sunderland Bowl bowling alley when the new'un is finished?

Talisker

October 18th, 2007, 01:55 AM

City green looks decent

http://www.citygreen.co.uk/images/background.jpg

And that homeside tower looks good as well - At 33 floors it's going to be around 100m and a decent city centre landmark. Still, it's a sunderand arc project by the looks of things, and after 5 years of disapointments with the vaux site I've come to view virtually everything they propose as complete folly.

MackemLad

October 18th, 2007, 11:10 PM

And that homeside tower looks good as well - At 33 floors it's going to be around 100m and a decent city centre landmark. Still, it's a sunderand arc project by the looks of things, and after 5 years of disapointments with the vaux site I've come to view virtually everything they propose as complete folly.

Tbf if they're going to try and do something special it takes a lot of planning and relocating which they have done a lot of and they are now moving on to the stage where building can begin, starting with Farringdon Row at the start of 2008. They've done great work with Sunniside already and there's still huge investment going on there.

MackemLad

November 27th, 2007, 02:13 AM

Apparantly there is to be a Hilton Hotel built in Sunderland City Centre opposite Bud Biggalows and the Travelodge. Maybe on the old Wearmouth Hall site?

Talisker

December 2nd, 2007, 07:58 AM

Maybe it would be on the other side of st.michael's way to the travelodge, although there's no cleared land round there. You'd have thought this would be an ideal opportunity to get part of the vaux site redevelopment kickstarted, as there is a hotel included in the blueprints next to the wear bridge.

sterock85

January 29th, 2008, 03:58 AM

Any news on developments?

I go toi Sunderland quite a bit as im a ST holder with SAFC, but it just seems to take so long for things to get up and running!?

The potential in Sunderland is phenomonal, The river, coastline and location of the city centre...but it's really sad and frustrating to see it not be making the progress as quick as i would like to see.

Irish Blood English Heart

January 29th, 2008, 10:00 PM

I heard the ARC had been scrapped and the Tescos is going to get built :(

MackemLad

January 31st, 2008, 03:36 AM

I heard the ARC had been scrapped and the Tescos is going to get built :(

Not true. ARC's probably going but only because it includes so much red tape that the council want rid so they can give the nod to private developers themselves...not tesco though. Rumour has it when the new bowling alley is built in sunniside, tesco will have the old bowling alley land and roker retail park.

sterock85

February 14th, 2008, 03:34 AM

Doesn't seem to be much happening??

The new Olympic size swimming pool is looking good, though i feel it's maybe slightly too close to the Stadium of Light.

MackemLad

February 15th, 2008, 08:50 PM

Doesn't seem to be much happening??

The new Olympic size swimming pool is looking good, though i feel it's maybe slightly too close to the Stadium of Light.

Plenty happening.

New college on the riverside next to the Uni, Apartments, offices, cafes being built next to civic centre, new bowling alley, restaurants, cafes, apartments in the river quarter, refurb going on in sunniside, farringdon row going ahead..........

Talisker

February 17th, 2008, 07:48 PM

Well to be honest the appartments being built in the river quarter are pretty dreadful (the steel framework now appears to be at full height, BTW). I believe the architects were nappa, who also designed the forth banks development U/C now in newcastle. I would just like to know if sunderland ARC, as a regeneration company, were either opposed to the plans but powerless to do anything to stop them, or whether they actually supported them - I can't decide which is worse. Either way, the developers have made a complete pig's ear of the whole area opposite to echo 24. It could have been a tremendous gateway to the city, with scale and quality matching echo 24 itself, but it's just been a bitter disapointment.

Le Chuck

February 22nd, 2008, 07:56 PM

Not true. ARC's probably going but only because it includes so much red tape that the council want rid so they can give the nod to private developers themselves...not tesco though. Rumour has it when the new bowling alley is built in sunniside, tesco will have the old bowling alley land and roker retail park.

There you go
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Tesco-set-to-end-Vaux.3806361.jp

Le Chuck

March 4th, 2008, 07:47 PM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/80m-hotel-plan-revealed.3839877.jp
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Blueprint-for-city-skyscraper.3839525.jp

MackemLad

March 5th, 2008, 12:46 AM

Very interesting stuff.

Talisker

March 5th, 2008, 07:01 PM

Certainly positive news, although the first story appears to be some sort of re-launch or re-design of existing plans for the st.peter's site. hopefully there'll be some renderings tomorrow.

Le Chuck

March 5th, 2008, 10:12 PM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/80m-riverside-vision-revealed-.3843922.jp

MackemLad

March 5th, 2008, 11:44 PM

Certainly positive news, although the first story appears to be some sort of re-launch or re-design of existing plans for the st.peter's site. hopefully there'll be some renderings tomorrow.

Yes but a hotel is more positive than more apartments.
Plus its going to cost £80million whereas the old cost for the entrie old plan was only £55million so this new plan must be better.

Talisker

March 7th, 2008, 08:07 PM

Right. Looks interesting, this one - will need to keep an eye out for the planning application. The building at the back looks substantially taller than on the previous plans (which I think was 38m or thereabouts)

sterock85

March 21st, 2008, 03:51 AM

sterock85

March 21st, 2008, 05:02 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wear/7300127.stm

A new multi-million pound swimming pool, which could be used to train competitors for the 2012 London Olympics, is due to open.

The Sunderland Aquatic Centre, next to the city's Stadium of Light, will officially open on April 18.

The 50m pool, which boasts 10 lanes, will feature innovative designs, including a moveable floor.

On Monday local school children tried out the new 500 spectator, 50m pool at the £20m facility.

Opening celebrations begin on 17 April and include light projections, pyrotechnics and outdoor theatre.

Have fun

Sunderland City Council Leader, Bob Symonds, said: "The Aquatic Centre will be the best facility of its kind in the UK.

"It's a massive coup for the region and the country, but most of all for the people of Sunderland.

"We wanted to make sure we celebrate the opening to the public in spectacular style with the people who will be using it most.

"As well as having the facilities for the young Olympians of the future, the centre is also very much a community facility and somewhere where families can take their children to have fun."

The complex has been funded by Sunderland City Council, Sport England, the European Regional Development Fund, One NorthEast, the TyneWear Partnership, Sunderland arc and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

sterock85

March 22nd, 2008, 05:03 AM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2008/02/06/farringdon_approval_feature.shtml

A 124-bed hotel, 6,500-sq-metres of offices, 124 apartments and 333-sq-metres of retail space are to be built on Farringdon Row on the western approach into the City.

The scheme, led by regeneration company Sunderland arc and its partner organisations One NorthEast, English Partnerships and Sunderland City Council, was approved at a meeting of the City's Planning Committee on Tuesday, 5 February 2008.
Ambitious plans for Sunderland

It will be the first of a three phase £130m development for Farringdon Row. The overall scheme aims to deliver further quality housing and improve the appearance of the area through high quality landscaping and public spaces, helping to revitalise the nearby Galleys Gill park area and linking to the neighbouring Vaux site.

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.
Artist's impression of the Farringdon row plans

Taking a closer look

"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."

David Walker, chief executive of Sunderland arc, said: "This high quality development will house a new commercial and residential quarter for the city, which will bring with it job opportunities and more lifestyle choices."
Artist's impression of the Farringdon row plans

View towards the Wearmouth bridge
Mixed-use development

Steve Gawthorpe, area director of English Partnerships - the Government's Urban Regeneration Agency, said: "It augurs well for future key projects within the city, indicating the attractiveness of Sunderland as a location for investors and developers."

Developers CTP Ltd, who aim to start work on site in late summer, has a wealth of experience of working on mixed-use developments such as St Paul's Place in Sheffield and the Round Foundry in Leeds.

Guy Illingworth, managing director at CTP, said: "Together with Sunderland arc and our architects Faulkner Browns, we will deliver a high quality mixed-use development which will help to ensure this City is a first-class place in which to live, work, play and invest."

Talisker

March 23rd, 2008, 06:37 AM

What's the new building being built not far behind Echo 24?

A residential building, as part of the river quarter development. There are renderings of it on the first page of this thread

sterock85

March 23rd, 2008, 04:55 PM

A residential building, as part of the river quarter development. There are renderings of it on the first page of this thread

Oh right. :)

sterock85

March 25th, 2008, 02:10 AM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/daily/31m-shopping-spree.3905957.jp

A cleaner, greener, healthier and wealthier Wearside is on its way thanks to a multimillion-pound investment programme. Local government reporter ROSS ROBERTSON looks at what is on offer.
EVERY neighbourhood in the city has been promised it will receive help as part of a £12.7million plan to improve the everyday lives of people.
This money pot will rise to £31.4million once cash comes in from national and regional organisations.

Politicians say it has been introduced after listening to what voters want in a bid to help communities grow and prosper.

More action on fly-tipping, improved sports facilities, community safety, better business and employment opportunities – all are targets under Sunderland Council's Strategic Investment Plan.

More environmental enforcement officers, a rapid response unit of 24 mobile CCTV cameras, new recycling initiatives and a £1.6million revamp of Sunderland's Market Square and the area around Central Station are just some of the projects promised under the plan.

And Sunderland council leader Bob Symonds said the shopping list had been drawn up by listening to what people in all of the city's communities had asked for.

He said: "As a council we are constantly listenening to residents about the things they tell us they need and the issues in their communities and these are things we want to be able to tackle quickly.

"This has helped make Sunderland City Council one of the most successful authorities in the country and this money will provide the kind of grassroots improvements people have been telling us they want that will make our city safer, cleaner and greener."

Coun Symonds visited each of Sunderland's 25 council wards to ask what communities needed in order for them to become better places to live and work.

Former council leader Bryn Sidaway, who quit the Labour Party in 2006 to become leader of the Independent group, said there would be positive improvements under the Strategic Investment Plan, but it could have gone further.

"I think there are some good things in it, but I think there are things that have been omitted," he said. "I think our community shopping parades right through the city have been sadly neglected and they are all under pressure from a big supermarket nearby.

"The local shops are important to people. Not everybody has a car and not everybody has a bus pass."

He said more parking needed to be provided and support given to allow and encourage more Wearsiders to use their local shops.

Sports facilities are on his list of priorities, and he said Sunderland would benefit from an indoor athletics arena that would attract large competitions to the city as well as being used every day for recreation.

Some of the projects that will be made possible by Sunderland Council's Strategic Investment Plan

Accessibility£1.6MILLION is to be spent refurbishing the Market Square and surrounding areas – including Athenaeum Street and Waterloo Place.
New paving, street furniture and public art is planned to provide a boost to the area in keeping with the £7million Nexus is pumping in to improving Central Station.
The city's cycle paths will also be improved to allow and encourage more people to leave their cars behind.

Community Sport
IMPROVEMENTS to 12 sporting facilities across the city to encourage more Wearsiders to get regular exercise.

Wind power
SIX council-owned sites which could accommodate small to medium-size wind turbines.
The Strategic Investment Plan will finance feasibility work to develop detailed business cases, and planning proposals for up to three of the most promising sites.

Mobile CCTV
A RAPID response unit of 24 mobile CCTV cameras – four for each of the city's key areas – will be brought in to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
These will work alongside the existing fixed public space CCTV systems across the city and create a network of 24 rapid deployment cameras using cutting-edge 3G technology.
Council bosses say this will help neighbourhoods deal with antisocial behaviour and environmental crime such as fly-tipping and problems in parks or open spaces.

On the buses
IN a bid to reduce the number of road accidents and encouraging more people to use public transport, bus-only links in each village centre and bus services on perimeter routes that are not well served by footpaths and bus stops will be brought in in Washington. The project will also introduce new pedestrian links and improve bus stops.

Fuel from wood
A WOOD Fuel Programme will be brought in to provide cheap, low-carbon fuel for council properties.
Under proposals the council would set up a wood recycling station in the city to create fuel chippings from wood waste from parks.
In phase one, two woodchip boilers would be installed at South Hylton and Jack Crawford House. A Wood Station at Houghton would supply about 500 tonnes of woodchip fuel each year.
Phase two would see a waste-reception site set up to handle wood waste from commercial operations to increase fuel production by 1,000 tonnes a year. This could be used to provide fuel to schools and possibly even gentoo housing with wood fuel.

Environment
THE number of environmental enforcement officers will triple from four to 12 to target more of the city's litter bugs and provide education programmes.
Council bosses say the visible presence of enforcement officers and their activities as part of this project should help to improve these levels.

Employment
A £2MILLION hi-tech business centre is planned for Washington to provied business and employment opportunities. The project aims to develop high quality technology
workspace in the
Washington area, where council bosses say studies have shown there is demand for start-up and small business premises.
The project will focus on the use and development of technology, linking in with the Software City development.

Recycling
AS well as revamping the council's recycling sites, new "recycling as you go" in on-street recycle bins will be set up at six pilot sites across the city.
The city centre and public transport hubs including Park Lane Interchange, Central Station, Concord Bus Station and Houghton Broadway will feature recycling dumps so people can drop off their recyclables on the way to work or while out shopping.
There will also be a review of the Kerb It scheme to look at how best to replace the "black box" home recycling scheme.
Council bosses hope the projects will make it easier for people to recycle.

MackemLad

March 25th, 2008, 02:35 AM

What's the new building being built not far behind Echo 24?

Was in Sunderland too early for the match last weekend so decided to take a walk around bits id never been...and Sunniside is a nice little part of the city centre, is this an area that is being developed more in the future?

54 apartments being built around a courtyard in the upper area and below will be a 2 floor bowling alley (largest in NE), bars and restaurants.

As for sunniside have a look at http://www.sunnisidepartnership.co.uk/

Lots of plans for there and its nice as it is.

sterock85

March 25th, 2008, 03:37 AM

Hmm so Sunderland will have the largest Bowling Alley and the only 50m swimming pool in the North East...

A long way to go but it's making some progress :)...a city of Sunderland's size with it's big history deserves better!

sterock85

March 26th, 2008, 10:17 PM

Well i hope in 10 years time...the change will be there to see, Sunderland has great history, so i hope it has a great future...probably more so than Newcastle in terms of St Peter's church and having been the biggest Shipbuilding in the world at one point during the war...maybe the city should recognize this more?

Andrew

March 29th, 2008, 06:11 PM

Yep and also soon its own brand new crown and magistrate complex, again biggest in the NE. You can see the theme here and you can see a bright future ahead. When you throw the tallest building in the NE in it kind of seals the deal.
I've heard it mentioned a few times, but I still haven't seen a picture of this 'tallest building in the NE'. Have I missed something? Where's it going, Vaux Brewery site?

sterock85

March 30th, 2008, 05:33 PM

I've heard it mentioned a few times, but I still haven't seen a picture of this 'tallest building in the NE'. Have I missed something? Where's it going, Vaux Brewery site?

In the Park Lane area.

Talisker

March 31st, 2008, 09:09 PM

It's going to be where that sinatras bar is isn't it? Just to the left of where the railway enters the tunnel on this photo:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/847SunderlandPanorama1_pic1.jpg

I should add a little more interest to the south approach by rail which is disapointing compared to the approach from the north.

sterock85

March 31st, 2008, 10:43 PM

DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE STADIUM OF LIGHT AND STADIUM PARK!

http://www.redboxarchitecture.com/selectedprojectcat.php?sector=3&id=191

http://www.redboxarchitecture.com/selectedprojectcat.php?sector=3&id=162

http://www.redboxarchitecture.com/selectedprojectcat.php?sector=3&id=389

http://www.redboxarchitecture.com/selectedprojectcat.php?sector=3&id=312

Also heres a picture of the plans for The Spirit of Sunderland...

http://www.innocentskulls.ath.cx/getEdFrontImage.aspx.jpg

http://www.innocentskulls.ath.cx/TH1_14200810webfoolSpiritapril1.jpg

So looking at that picture the actual skyscraper will be where you said...but the whole of that area is gonna be developed too right upto Park Lane. The 'Holmside Triangle'.

sterock85

April 1st, 2008, 05:39 PM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/320ft-skyscraper--with-no.3933522.jp

;)

Andrew

April 2nd, 2008, 12:44 AM

sterock85

April 3rd, 2008, 03:11 AM

^^ That will be a welcome addition to the skyline. It'll be good to have a decent contemporary high-rise dominating the skyline drawing attention away from the three 60's residential towers in the above pic. As far as 60's towers go, they're not too bad but they're hardly inspiring. This along with the Vaux Brewery proposals (if they ever happen) should give Sunderland a pretty impressive modern skyline.

Well there seems to be a bit of development going on now, and with lots already in planning, it's just waiting for it all to take off i guess. To many let downs in the past though keep people always feeling skeptical.

Talisker

April 5th, 2008, 07:56 PM

thanks for those extra spirit renderings. it appears that there are actually two towers very close together, rather than a single one.

denm

April 7th, 2008, 03:02 PM

Hello everybody,
enjoyed reaing the threads, --theres some great structures planned for the city I'm looking forward to seeing some of them coming to fruition, ---btw, does anyone know when the Goverment will be announcing the funding for the new Wear Road Bridge

sterock85

April 18th, 2008, 06:11 PM

The Sunderland Aquatic Centre had it's official opening last night.

sterock85

April 18th, 2008, 08:21 PM

Nice little website here.

http://www.regenerationinsunderland.co.uk/

Part of someones Uni work but still a good read.

Andrew

April 19th, 2008, 12:11 AM

That is an interesting little website, it's got some good pics.

Talisker

April 19th, 2008, 09:01 AM

MackemLad

April 23rd, 2008, 01:29 AM

denm

April 23rd, 2008, 11:04 AM

Anyone been to the new aquatic centre then? I went swimming at the newcastle road baths on wednesday to find a sign saying they were shutting the next day and the new centre was going to open. I had a walk around the new building and it looks reasonable as far as swimming pools go.

Have'nt been inside, but heard people saying how fantastic it is, --and judging by the video footage the facilities look World class.

denm

April 23rd, 2008, 11:40 AM

demolition work to make way for the new sporting village by the stadium has started:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Sporting-village-progress-goes-on.4008143.jp

rumours of what these facilities will be include ice rink and velodrome :shocked:

Aye just been reading about this, -- Iv'e not heard any recent rumours --although last year there was a rumour that there could be a ice rink, -- not heard anything about a velodrome though, --- I know it's only demolition work -- but it's good to see some progress on this site, -- hope it's not to long before there are firm plans put in place.

Talisker

April 23rd, 2008, 07:53 PM

Well I've been to the aquatic centre now, and it is good. Part of the floor of the pool can be raised or lowered to alter the depth (this actually happended while I was there). The roof also collects rain water, filters it and uses it to fill the pool itself, making the centre the most environmentally friendly swimming pool in britain apparently.

sterock85

April 27th, 2008, 10:43 PM

Need more people on this thread :(

denm

May 8th, 2008, 12:27 PM

Agree with you S, ---everytime I pop on this site there isn't anyone on, -- having said that, it's usualy a hour or so in the morning and afternoon when I pop on, ---- anyway, had a look down Sunniside the other day -- around the gardens area, and it looks good, they have done a good job their, --- also just off Park Lane the City Green site is progressing, the steel work and floors are going in, --- as for the Farringdon Row plans I don't think they are due to start until late summer.

Le Chuck

May 8th, 2008, 08:57 PM

sterock85

May 8th, 2008, 10:07 PM

sterock85

May 8th, 2008, 10:08 PM

Work started on Farringdon Row about a month ago, There's a few bulldozers & stuff up there, probably just preparing the site / laying foundations.

Any ideas how long this development will take?

sterock85

May 8th, 2008, 11:47 PM

http://www.boklok.co.uk/

Plans for new Swedish style homes in the Hendon area.

MackemLad

May 9th, 2008, 03:54 AM

Any ideas how long this development will take?

Overall development will take 10 years, not sure how much of that will be phase 1.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2008/02/06/farringdon_approval_feature.shtml

MackemLad

May 9th, 2008, 03:55 AM

Having seen the Park Lane development area yet, will check it out on Sunday before the game. Sunniside looks nice though.

Its just steel work at the moment mate nowt to look at.

Heres their site tho:

http://www.citygreen.co.uk/

MackemLad

May 9th, 2008, 03:57 AM

http://www.boklok.co.uk/

Plans for new Swedish style homes in the Hendon area.

Not over chuffed at this, dont rate those at Gateshead at all.

However i am pleased that apartments are being built in Hendon opposite Mowbray Park on Toward Road IIRC. Where the old garage used to be but was knocked down. Better than empty land. :)

MackemLad

May 9th, 2008, 03:58 AM

BTW the outside of the new bowling alley/restaurant/apartments etc thing at River Quarter is now going on, looks pretty clean and modern. Anyone know which Bowling operator will take up the space?

Mex Cantina is also opening soon, seen its advertisements in the echo.

Le Chuck

May 9th, 2008, 07:48 PM

Any ideas how long this development will take?

At a guess, i'd say phase 1 would be complete sometime around mid 2010

denm

May 11th, 2008, 12:27 PM

Not over chuffed at this, dont rate those at Gateshead at all.

However i am pleased that apartments are being built in Hendon opposite Mowbray Park on Toward Road IIRC. Where the old garage used to be but was knocked down. Better than empty land. :)

About Toward road site, ---- it's good the land is being put to good use, ----we used to live around the corner to that site in the 70s

BTW the outside of the new bowling alley/restaurant/apartments etc thing at River Quarter is now going on, looks pretty clean and modern. Anyone know which Bowling operator will take up the space?

Don't know the name of the of the operator ML, -- sounds like the project is moving on a pace, ---- I'll make a point of having a look next time we are in town.

denm

May 11th, 2008, 12:54 PM

Work started on Farringdon Row about a month ago, There's a few bulldozers & stuff up there, probably just preparing the site / laying foundations.

I have'nt been round that area for awhile --but it's good that -- at last -- work has begun on what will be a fantastic looking building in the phase one of the plans.

denm

May 11th, 2008, 12:58 PM

Read about the University 75 million pound plans for the chester road --city campus, think it's another shot in the arm for the City, -- anyone else seen the plans.

NEBody

May 11th, 2008, 02:50 PM

denm

May 12th, 2008, 12:26 PM

The info for the Chester Road campus developments is here http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Uni-campus-plans-to-reshape.4067818.jp. Interstingly, the article mention '...pedestrianising the bottom stretch of Chester Road, running through the university...'. I'm not sure what this would mean for traffic as it is such a busy road, they'd have to surely move the traffic underground. Any ideas anyone?

As for the Boklok development, i agree with MackemLad, the Gateshead homes which I don't imagine will be substantially different from those planned for Hendon, look horrendous. They look like they're made out of cardboard and will only look worse in the future once they've weathered a little. Who'd want to live in a glorified prefab?

Other than a underpass like you said N --- they might do something similar to Park Lane --- and pave over a section of road and put measures in to slow traffic down, ----or maybe the only other alternative would be to just allow buses/ taxis through --and re-route traffic around the royalty area ---like you say it is a very busy road. -----as for the Boklok development I agree with you and M L, ---they are not cheap either.

MackemLad

May 12th, 2008, 05:01 PM

denm

May 13th, 2008, 03:36 PM

Rumour has it that the hotel included with the new University site will be a Hilton. Also a good tip for you if you are in the town anytime soon visit the Sloanes Sports Bar in Sunniside. It is opposite 200HST Bar on the underground of central buildings and is very nicely done out with pool tables, bar area and lots of screens.

Aye heard people on about a Hilton Hotel last year ML-- but I thought it was going to be on the Farringdon Row site, --- anyway we need at least a couple of quality Hotels in the City, ----- Sloanes, -- I thought they had closed a few years ago, --- in the 70s we used to spend some time their on the tables then onto the Pub/ Club --happy days :cheers:

sterock85

May 14th, 2008, 12:01 AM

A Hilton would be great!

sterock85

May 16th, 2008, 06:45 PM

This 'Spirit Of Sunderland' project, is that a definite or merely a proposal at the moment?

denm

May 17th, 2008, 11:39 AM

This 'Spirit Of Sunderland' project, is that a definite or merely a proposal at the moment?

My take on this S,
I Think they are proposed plans along with others for the Holmeside Development, ---- the ARC owns about 80% of the "Holmeside Triangle" and will probably submit all the plans when they have bought the other 20% of property, --- lets hope it's not to long.

denm

May 20th, 2008, 10:12 AM

The Sunderland Retail Park --Tescos Plans, --- anyone know or heard anything ? --I read some time ago that they would submit their plans this spring.

MackemLad

May 21st, 2008, 01:25 AM

The Sunderland Retail Park --Tescos Plans, --- anyone know or heard anything ? --I read some time ago that they would submit their plans this spring.

Its a definate. Bowling will close soon due to new one opening soon in sunniside and alot of the retail park shops are already closing.

sterock85

May 21st, 2008, 03:01 AM

My take on this S,
I Think they are proposed plans along with others for the Holmeside Development, ---- the ARC owns about 80% of the "Holmeside Triangle" and will probably submit all the plans when they have bought the other 20% of property, --- lets hope it's not to long.

Thanks. I really hope this one goes ahead.

denm

May 21st, 2008, 02:45 PM

Its a definate. Bowling will close soon due to new one opening soon in sunniside and alot of the retail park shops are already closing.

Then hopefully Tescos will sell the Vaux site --- and we might see some movement on that land, --- it's stood empty for far to many years.

Thanks. I really hope this one goes ahead.

It will be a massive boost for the City when the proposals are given the green light, ----- these huge developements will transformation the City Centre for the better imo.

denm

May 27th, 2008, 03:54 PM

Saw these photos of Sunniside at night time----think they look great,
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/sunniside3.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/sunniside2.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/sunniside1.jpg

What do you think --

sterock85

May 27th, 2008, 06:20 PM

MackemLad

May 29th, 2008, 04:56 AM

denm

May 29th, 2008, 10:10 AM

Pic of City Green development next to Park Lane, as you can see nowt much to look at ATM.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2531410915_1f558649e4_m.jpg

Some great pics of the town here:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=sunderland+&s=int

Some fantastic photos M, -- some dramatic scenes of the lighthouse , the red arrows & lightning at sea, --great stuff.

Talisker

May 29th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Council asks arc - where are the cranes?

The agency charged with developing the Vaux site and other key regeneration areas has been criticised in a report for its "frustrating" lack of progress.
But the study into Sunderland arc also said it was "unrealistic" to expect instant results in the city after years of decline, and recognised progress already made by the organisation.

The arc was set up in 2002 to spearhead Wearside's regeneration into a thriving, modern city.

It is already progressing with the development of the Sunniside area of the city centre, and earlier this year got the final go-ahead for a £130million hotel, apartment and office complex at Farringdon Row.

The arc's most ambitious project is for a mixed development of 1,000 new homes, 47,000sq mtrs of city centre office space, two hotels and civic buildings on the former Vaux brewery site.

But for the past five years the agency has been locked in a dispute with Tesco, which owns the site and wants to use it for a mixed-use development, including a new supermarket.

Tesco is blocked from building on the land by planning regulations banning a retail development, but the arc cannot push ahead with its proposals as it does not own the site.

Negotiations are under way on a compromise which would see Tesco take over the run-down Sunderland Retail Park in Roker. It is hoped the chain would then release the Vaux site.

A committee of city councillors investigating the arc has cited the Vaux row as the agency's biggest stumbling block.

It says: "The arc has yet to deliver significant outputs in terms of jobs created, new office space created and housing units.

"There is a feeling that the city needed a big early win to build confidence in the regeneration process, but that this has been slow to materialise."

Sunderland City Council is already looking into scrapping Sunderland arc in favour of a new system that would see it work directly with developers.

Coun Bryan Charlton, responsible for regeneration in the city, said he recognised arc's problems, but the lack of progress was still frustrating.

He said: "We want so see cranes on the skyline, and we're still waiting to see those cranes."

Sunderland arc's chief executive David Walker said: "The committee's report is a fair and positive reflection of the organisation, highlighting the scale of the task in hand and the value the arc has added to the regeneration process.

"It is a long and sometimes frustrating process, but from a standing start we have done a huge amount of work setting the framework, which is what we were set up to do.

"Now people are starting to see fruition on site, in areas such as Sunniside and soon on Farringdon Row."

denm

May 30th, 2008, 10:46 AM

^^ Aye I saw that piece in the Echo T, --- but they are only pointing to things we already know about, --- " actions speak louder than words" and the sooner the better I say.

MackemLad

June 2nd, 2008, 02:41 AM

Plaza to honour hero Porterfield

A NEW city centre apartment block has been dedicated to a Sunderland legend.

The multimillion pound gentoo development on High Street West, Sunderland, has been named Ian Porterfield Plaza, after Sunderland's FA Cup-winning goalscorer Ian Porterfield.

Footballing star Ian Porterfield died in September last year. The former midfielder, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in February 2007, was 61.

Due to be completed in March 2009, the six-storey building will include 62 one and two-bedroom apartments and three ground-floor retail units.

It forms part of a £4.2million deal between gentoo Construction and Dublin-based property development and investment company, RAN Property Ireland Ltd, which will include part of the ongoing regeneration of the Sunniside area.

Dave Piggett, managing director of gentoo Construction, said: "We're delighted to win the contract for the design and construction of what we're sure will prove a hugely prestigious and popular development, with interest already high in both the commercial and residential aspects of the build.

"Our knowledge of the area and expertise gained from working on other significant projects, such as the nearby River Quarter, means that we are confident we can make the most of the fantastic potential that this particular development offers."

RAN Property Ireland Ltd has already been involved with regeneration of cities, including Manchester and Liverpool, before moving further North, having first worked with gentoo Group in 2005.

The Irish company will take responsibility for phase four of gentoo's major regeneration of the Southwick area of the city.

Paul O'Connor, project manager for RAN Property Ireland Ltd, added: "Having worked with gentoo in the past, we were impressed by the organisation's professionalism and vision as well as its commitment to social investment and were happy to appoint them to oversee our first major development in the city.

"Our aim for the Ian Porterfield Plaza was to provide high quality and affordable living accommodation for young professionals intent on working and living in Sunderland, whilst also making a significant contribution to the ambitious regeneration and renewal programme under way in the centre of Sunderland."

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Plaza-to-honour-hero-Porterfield.4139443.jp

MackemLad

June 19th, 2008, 02:27 PM

sterock85

June 20th, 2008, 01:58 PM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/New-Bridge-for-the-Wear.4207141.jp

denm

June 21st, 2008, 11:27 AM

Few bits of news:

Pizza Hut have bid for the old Legends bar site. Also Walkabout are interested in the old fire station building.

And the crane from River Quarter Phase 2 has been taken down:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Familiar-sight-removed-from-city.4198596.jp

That means the new apartments, cafes and bowling alley will be ready soon, exciting times!

Heard that --Roseberry Leisure -wants to buy the Legends site, -- -- also it will be good to see the old fire station brought back to life, --- but M, excuse my ignorance --but Iv'e never heard of Walkabout -- sounds like a shop for -- ramblers --hill walkers :lol: ---- and it's good to see Phase 2 nearly completed. --- I was also pleased they are to name the planned new apartment buildings after Ian Porterfield .

denm

June 21st, 2008, 11:42 AM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/New-Bridge-for-the-Wear.4207141.jp

Great news --- and hopefully it won't be to long before we see the design of

the new --"iconic bridge"--although work won't start on it until 2011 ----still, at least we know things are moving in the right direction. :)

Le Chuck

June 21st, 2008, 06:35 PM

Heard that --Roseberry Leisure -wants to buy the Legends site, -- -- also it will be good to see the old fire station brought back to life, --- but M, excuse my ignorance --but Iv'e never heard of Walkabout -- sounds like a shop for -- ramblers --hill walkers :lol: ---- and it's good to see Phase 2 nearly completed. --- I was also pleased they are to name the planned new apartment buildings after Ian Porterfield .

Walkabout is an Aussie theme bar, there's one in Durham.

denm

June 23rd, 2008, 10:59 AM

cheers for that info L C --- Iv'e never heard of the pub chain, ---then again we never get out much these days :lol: ---- but whether its these Aussies or someone else lets hope they breath life dack into the old building.

denm

June 26th, 2008, 03:30 PM

I believe the Government are to fund the lions share -- and that the Council has to pay £6 million towards the full cost of the scheme which also includes the approach roads --- I think the scheme is a joint project with Sunderland arc and the Council, -- I reckon between them they should be able to find the extra money that's needed, --- anyway, hope we get to see the bridge design fairly soon.

One other bit of news, -- Pallion Engineering have been given outline planning permission for a large office type building which might include a restaurant --near the Alexandra bridge, --which could create 500 jobs, --- good news, the City needs more jobs.

denm

July 1st, 2008, 03:29 PM

Anyone know when the new bowling alley is due to open, ? --the Grand bairns have been asking, but I can't find a opening date--- I know the tower crane was taken down so maybe it won't be to long .

denm

July 1st, 2008, 03:30 PM

Anyone know when the new bowling alley is due to open, ? --the Grand bairns have been asking, but I can't find a opening date--- I know the tower crane was taken down so maybe it won't be to long .

MackemLad

July 2nd, 2008, 02:01 AM

Anyone know when the new bowling alley is due to open, ? --the Grand bairns have been asking, but I can't find a opening date--- I know the tower crane was taken down so maybe it won't be to long .

September. Building work started in april 2007 and it is an 88 week contract which means its due to finish September 2008. It looks well on its way now like, wont be long.

More info:

http://www.gentooconstruction.com/?Section=675&Track=/488/507/675/&resizer=0

denm

July 2nd, 2008, 11:42 AM

September. Building work started in april 2007 and it is an 88 week contract which means its due to finish September 2008. It looks well on its way now like, wont be long.

More info:

http://www.gentooconstruction.com/?Section=675&Track=/488/507/675/&resizer=0

Cheers for the info M. ---that area is starting to take shape now.

The Benedict Apartments, -- they must be the ones behind the City Green site next to Park Lane.

denm

July 2nd, 2008, 02:07 PM

Another change on the way, --- one of the most recognisable buildings on Durham Road the "Prospect Hotel " is closed, and has been sold to Lidl who want to demolish it and hope to build a store on the site, --- I went in their a few times when I was a young man ( was a very very long time ago), --- a couple of mates said the place has been struggling for years, --at least the land will be put to good use if a new store is built, --just wonder what the traffic implications could be.

sterock85

July 9th, 2008, 06:13 PM

from the lower end of High Street (roughly behind the Quayside Exchange) and across to the north bank (roughly between the Uni and the Glass Centre)

Funding is to be set in place so that it can cut journey times for students going from Panns Bank to the university and also to encourage folk 'back to the riverside'

Genral goings-on and regeneration on the lower banks of both sides of the river is expected to have a higher degree of interest now that accessibility is a little bit easier.

Taken from another forum.

denm

July 10th, 2008, 12:07 PM

"A new ferry crossing" --I think it would not only benefit students but people in general, -- it could also help with tourism with attractions like the Glass Centre, -- Marine Activities Centre, Roker Beach, and of course St Peters which could be a World Heritage Site within two years, ---if it can be funded --then I think a ferry would be a good idea.

ferge

July 11th, 2008, 03:08 PM

Irish Blood English Heart

July 11th, 2008, 04:39 PM

There's plenty worse places believe me Ferge, it's certainly no worse then Wigan or Preston and the beaches really are lovely for a brisk walk or lounging about on the odd occasion the sun comes out!

pityacker

July 12th, 2008, 06:10 PM

Irish Blood English Heart

July 12th, 2008, 10:27 PM

Im just hoping the credit crunch isnt going to further stall the vaux site so we end up with nothing there at all!

denm

July 13th, 2008, 10:38 AM

How do,

First visit to the thread, don't know much about the place but that'll soon change as I have a short-term work placement in the city. All I know so far is I've managed to bag myself a short term let in the Mowbray apartments.. so from what I've gathered I've been set for a good start to my short period in the city :|

Mowbray Apartments ! --very nice - Central -- and with lovely views over the Park/ Gardens, :) --hope you enjoy your stay Ferge.

denm

July 13th, 2008, 11:01 AM

debut post from me, i'm an exciled durham lad now down in london but watching developments in sunderland with anticipation. It all seems to have quietened down on the Vaux front, after some positive noises about tesco and the retail park site on the north side. Anybody know more? Also, what about the stadium park site, wasnt news due about further sports facilites? And did anything officially materialise about the (possibly Hilton) hotel? Is this part of farringdon row or seperate?

some may be interested in the latest development of the 6th form college at st peters:

http://www.citysun.ac.uk/website/prospectus/docs/sixthform_preview.pdf

http://www.citysun.ac.uk/website/prospectus/docs/april%20photographs.pdf

Looks canny!

it seems that there are 3 apartment blocks in development down near the east end, but i havent heard much on one in particular. River quarter and Porterfield plaza are well reported but what about this one, is it going up yet?

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Luxury-apartment-plan.3013211.jp

Cheers, keep the info and images coming.

I thought the Hilton was to be part of the Farringdon Row site -- but Mackemlad said it was rumoured to be part of the University plans, --either way a Hilton Hotel will be good for the City, ---- as for Tesco --your guess is as good as anyones P, ---they were due to unveil plans for Roker Retail Park this spring but were still waiting --hope we hear something fairly soon, ----- also still waiting on any Stadium Park Developements,---anyway if we hear anything I'm sure the lads will stick it on here.

denm

July 13th, 2008, 11:23 AM

Im just hoping the credit crunch isnt going to further stall the vaux site so we end up with nothing there at all!

I hope so too mate, ---that site has stood empty far to long, and we need activity asap, --but due to what's happening like you said ( the credit crunch ) and the state of the Construction Industry at the moment --I can see a lot of large proposed Developements being put on hold, hope I'm totally wrong though.

Talisker

July 13th, 2008, 11:00 PM

What's so annoying about the vaux site is the lack of a decent interim use of the land during the tesco/arc debacle over the last 6 years. It wouldn't take much imagination to find a better use for the site than, well, nothing at all. Perhaps a temporary park, or even a festival site. It's an embarrassment. A photo of the area was even used in the idlers' crap towns book as if to demonstrate the supposed negative state of affairs in sunderland

sterock85

July 16th, 2008, 02:26 PM

So has any work started on the Farringdon Row development yet?

Some development news for South Shields...

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/2m-seafront-arcade-starts-to.4291659.jp

Is there any future plans for Seaburn area to get any revamp?

MackemLad

July 16th, 2008, 05:06 PM

MackemLad

July 16th, 2008, 05:08 PM

debut post from me, i'm an exciled durham lad now down in london but watching developments in sunderland with anticipation. It all seems to have quietened down on the Vaux front, after some positive noises about tesco and the retail park site on the north side. Anybody know more? Also, what about the stadium park site, wasnt news due about further sports facilites? And did anything officially materialise about the (possibly Hilton) hotel? Is this part of farringdon row or seperate?

some may be interested in the latest development of the 6th form college at st peters:

http://www.citysun.ac.uk/website/prospectus/docs/sixthform_preview.pdf

http://www.citysun.ac.uk/website/prospectus/docs/april%20photographs.pdf

Looks canny!

it seems that there are 3 apartment blocks in development down near the east end, but i havent heard much on one in particular. River quarter and Porterfield plaza are well reported but what about this one, is it going up yet?

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Luxury-apartment-plan.3013211.jp

Cheers, keep the info and images coming.

I think that apartment plan is being held up by our "wonderful" council planning department.

MackemLad

July 16th, 2008, 05:10 PM

How do,

First visit to the thread, don't know much about the place but that'll soon change as I have a short-term work placement in the city. All I know so far is I've managed to bag myself a short term let in the Mowbray apartments.. so from what I've gathered I've been set for a good start to my short period in the city :|

Hello mate, happy to help.

Let me know via PM if you would like tips on where to go, places to see etc and i will do what i can for you. :)

pityacker

July 17th, 2008, 10:43 PM

I think that apartment plan is being held up by our "wonderful" council planning department.

bloody shame that, it looks the best design of any down that end. I do like the look of the new akenside plan for bonnersfield/st peters wharf mind

pityacker

July 17th, 2008, 11:00 PM

Hello lads, quick update.

Tesco want to completely redesign the retail park site so it will be better for traffic and look alot nicer than the current blight on the landscape.

www.sunderlandretailpark.co.uk

I believe Tesco and the Council have come to a compromise now and I think the Vaux site has been privately bought by the council for around £20million. Fingers crossed.

Id didnt get to the consultation tonight so dont know the exact plans for the site. Perhaps someone could get a local MP etc to post on here like Greg Stone over on the Newcastle thread. Would be interesting to get a different perspective.

This is fanastic news. As official as anything yet to substantiate the rumours. I would be surprised if the sale of the vaux site will have gone through yet. Perhaps this consultation is the precursor to the sale to Tesco though..The current owners Mountview must have to clear a few hurdles in terms of public consultation on change of design and use(inclusion of supermarket etc).

I would be keen to hear from anybody attending the exhibition next wednesday. Bound to be loads of banter there

pityacker

July 18th, 2008, 08:16 PM

the new sunderland bridge - sounds like geordie journal mischeif making but this is the first ive heard of the actual design - the iconic design sounds class, bull horns forming an arc over river.

‘Secret’ bridge plan doubts rumoured
Jul 18 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
AN ICONIC crossing planned for the River Wear has been labelled “the most secretive bridge in England” as city planners refuse to divulge their ambitious plans.
Speculation is mounting that Sunderland councillors are worried their chosen design for a bridge to compete with those on the Tyne could fall through, as the Government will only fund the basic costs and not the ambitious proposals currently being considered.
The new Wear crossing, to link Claxheugh and Castletown, would be 1,000ft long and, if the Government agrees to bankroll it, could carry four lanes of traffic plus pedestrians and cyclists.
But city leaders want much more than just a basic bridge provisionally approved by the Government, and it is this ambition which is forcing them to be so secretive with their intentions.
Whitehall has given its approval, but not the budget needed for the high quality design by South Shields-born architect Stephen Spence.
If the council and development agency One NorthEast can agree a funding system, the Wear could be spanned by a suspension bridge formed from two gigantic Bull’s Horn-style posts emerging from the river banks meeting together to form an arc from which the road is suspended.
The basic cost of the bridge is covered, but funding chiefs at ONE have said they will only pay an extra £8.9m if the bridge is “iconic”.
This has forced Sunderland Council to look at its bank books and consider again wether the city’s budget can match its ambitions. Conservative opposition leader Lee Martin urged the council to provide the money for more than just a basic bridge.
He said: “It is ridiculous that they should keep the bridge secret for political reasons. We have played an almost second fiddle role to Tyneside for too long. I think we should stand up and say this is our ambition, this will put us on the map and give us an iconic development that will play a huge role in our regeneration.
“And if we are open about our ambition the Government will not be able to ignore us, especially not with an election coming up and a city-centre seat that they will face a battle to keep.
“We want to be proud of our ambitions but the council leaders are shying away from revealing this design while they check they can actually afford it. That is not the way to force the issue.”
Councillor Martin said the project had been described in trade circles as “Britain’s secret bridge” as national architect groups scratch their heads over the council’s hush-hush approach.
Leader Paul Watson last night said: “Once it is confirmed that the business case is accepted by the Government we can look in detail at the bridge options and make that information available to the public, including the design details.
“It is important to note, however, that the Department for Transport funding will not cover the costs of the concept design and that significant work would need to be undertaken to finalise this design in any case. The final choice will therefore depend upon affordability, best use of council resources and ultimately on detailed investigative and technical work over the next year or so.”
Ed Rowley, acting director of regeneration at One NorthEast, said: “This has enormous potential and therefore it is vital the design of it is absolutely right.”
The Department for Transport funding will not cover the costs of the concept design...

sterock85

July 19th, 2008, 03:29 AM

How far up the river from the city centre will this bridge be?

pityacker

July 20th, 2008, 11:17 AM

http://www.sunderlandarc.co.uk/sstc/

exact location is on here, its Claxheugh to Castletown, but will be visible from the A19. alongside Vaux this will be the biggest single development in the regeneration of Sunderland. this article is a few weeks old but sounds more positive than the Journal one

New bridge for the Wear

There could soon be a new icon on the Sunderland skyline...
The long awaited new bridge over the Wear is finally set to become reality after ministers gave the £104million project the nod.
Plans for a new river crossing have been debated for years, with hopes that it would cut congestion and boost business links.

Designs for both a basic version, and a potentially more iconic landmark structure, to carry trafic and pedestrians, have been drawn up by South Shields-born architect Stephen Spence.

It is hoped that if the iconic crossing is eventually chosen – running between Claxheugh and Castletown – it would put Sunderland on the map as the Millennium Bridge has done for Newcastle Gateshead.

But the public have yet to see either of the two designs as council bosses fear it would lead to disappointment if the funding to build the bridge could not be found.

Plans have been with the Department for Transport, which would fund the basic option, but the council would have seek extra funding One NorthEast to build the iconic version.

Now the Government has announced it agrees in principle with the case for a new road bridge over the Wear and the approach roads to link it in with major routes.

But there are conditions the council must meet if the project is to be accepted.

These include a £6million "local contribution" towards the cost, which could come from the development agencies like One NorthEast and other funding sources.

Senior councillors on the city's ruling cabinet will meet to discuss all the conditions set out next week.

If they are agreed, the scheme would be put before ministers, then go through three key stages before it got final Government funding approval.

Once approval is given, scheduled for 2010, construction work could being by 2011.

Sunderland council leader Paul Watson said: "A new bridge is fundamental to improving access to key employment locations and reducing congestion, and by doing so it will make a major contribution to enhancing regeneration along the river corridor, in the city centre and into the Port of Sunderland."

He added: "The level of possible Government funding reflects the scale and complexity of the scheme, and allows for land costs, utility company diversions and inflation costs as well as a substantial sum for risks which have been built in due to the early stage of the project's development."

Sunderland Conservative leader Councillor Lee Martin said councillors on the cabinet should "bite their hands off" and come up with the £6million.

He said Sunderland had a "well-heeled" council which had protected itself by putting money away and would be more than capable of coming up with the money.

But he said the council also had a good track-record of tapping into public funds so it did not have to use its own.

"This bridge has been a long time in the coming – I've got a plan on my desk that goes back to 1972.

"So we've been waiting the best part of 40 years for this and I think they should come up with the £6million and go for it."

He added that it was important that the bridge was well linked-in with other major routes so it didn't become a "white elephant" in the same way as the Humber bridge near Hull.

The new Wear bridge scheme is part of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC) a joint project between the City Council and regeneration company Sunderland arc.

The Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor is designed to improve access from the A19 to key sites including the Vaux site, Farringdon Row, Riverside Park at Groves, Holmeside, Sunniside and the Port of Sunderland.

It is thought the project will encourage and improve investment, development and employment potential in Sunderland, and ease traffic flow on the existing bridges.

The full article contains 632 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.

denm

July 22nd, 2008, 11:51 AM

How far up the river from the city centre will this bridge be?

Think it's about two and half possibly three miles.

sterock85

July 22nd, 2008, 03:31 PM

born and bred

July 22nd, 2008, 08:08 PM

will we be around to see that site completed my first time on so hi all

sterock85

July 22nd, 2008, 10:33 PM

will we be around to see that site completed my first time on so hi all

Well it seems like it's never gonna see any development, extremely frustrating...but we'll see.

Welcome, more posters need in this thread so the more the better :)

denm

July 26th, 2008, 11:40 AM

will we be around to see that site completed my first time on so hi all

I hope so marra, --cos I'm getting on in years :lol: ---but seriously-- let's hope work will start on the Vaux site and also the new bridge in the next two or three years ---it would be great to see some of the big projects come to fruition, ----btw welcome to the site.

pityacker

July 27th, 2008, 01:48 PM

this suggess that the retail park development will not replace tesco's plans for the Vaux site. terrible if true, but would there really be the demand for 2 so close together?

Tesco in talks to open store at Sunderland Retail Park
11:07 | 22.02.08
By Deirdre Hipwell

Tesco confirmed today it is in talks with Sunderland City Council to open a new store at Sunderland Retail Park to the north of the River Wear.

The giant supermarket retailer has an option to buy the site from the current owners, Mountview Securities, and said it had been talking with Sunderland City Council about its proposals.

Tesco’ plans comprise a new store, offering the full range of services, along with other retail outlets in a redesigned retail park with improved pedestrian and car access.

Sunderland City Retail Park was originally designed to serve the needs of people living to the north of the Wear but has become increasingly run-down with several empty units.

More attractive and safe

Tesco said the redevelopment of the Retail Park will make it a more attractive and safe location.

Nick Gellatly, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: ‘Mountview Securities and Tesco have been in consultation with Sunderland Council about Sunderland Retail Park. We have had positive discussions and although more detailed work needs to be done, we believe that our proposals for Sunderland Retail Park will be an important part of the regeneration of the City.

‘By rejuvenating the Retail Park with a new Tesco store along with improved access and facilities we will be providing much needed shops and will secure jobs for the area.'

A planning application for Sunderland Retail Park is expected in spring.

Tesco is also continuing its discussions with Sunderland arc and Sunderland City Council regarding the former Vaux brewery site and said it remained committed to delivering a mix of public spaces, homes, offices, cafes and restaurants as well as a new Tesco store.

denm

July 27th, 2008, 02:57 PM

sterock85

July 27th, 2008, 08:09 PM

Some pictures from yesterday.

Fog on the beach, but still hot!
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandAirshow1-2.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandAirshow2.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandSeaburn1.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandFog1.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandFog2.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandFog3.jpg
Same day!
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/Sunderland4.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandBanks.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/Sunderland1.jpg
Bowling Alley development in the background
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/Sunderland3.jpg
Anyone tell me what this white building is below?
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandRandom.jpg
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/Sunderland2.jpg
Mowbray Park
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandMowbray.jpg
Park Lane Metro Station
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/SunderlandParkLane.jpg

denm

July 28th, 2008, 12:52 PM

Aye, it's incredible, its like pea soup on the coast yet ---- half a mile or so inland and the Sun is cracking the pavement, a lot of people would have been disapointed --our grand bairns were, ----better luck next year.

If that house was in the Sunniside area --- Then I think it is suposed to be art :ohno: :) and will only be standing for a couple of days, ---- some good shots of the centre.

sterock85

July 28th, 2008, 10:40 PM

sterock85

July 29th, 2008, 01:23 PM

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Starbucks-arrival-causes-a-stir.4328221.jp

Sunderland has finally caught up in the coffee stakes with the announcement that the world's biggest coffee house is coming to town.

Most of the UK's major cities already have a Starbucks and now Sunderland is following suit.

A branch of the popular coffeehouse is due to open in The Bridges this autumn at the former Music Zone site.

It will join other North East branches of the chain, which include stores in Dalton Park, and Newcastle.

Its arrival is expected to cause a stir with coffee connoisseurs, as the chain has a loyal following with websites and Facebook appreciation groups set up in its honour.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We're really excited to be opening a new Starbucks in The Bridges Shopping Centre and hope the coffeehouse will be a real asset to the neighbourhood, offering somewhere between work and home where our customers can relax on their own or with friends over a cup of great quality coffee.

"Our plan is to open in the autumn and to employ around 12 partners from the local community."

The first Starbucks opened in Seattle, USA, in the 1970s and was named after a character in the novel Moby Dick.

It came to the UK in 1998 and now has more than 15,000 stores worldwide.
Louise Hardy, city centre manager, said: "It's great news that an international chain such as Starbucks is coming to Sunderland.

"It just shows how much the city is moving forward, offering residents more choice than ever before."

Janet Snaith, head of city business and investment team at Sunderland City Council said: "We have many famous names and leading brand names in the centre, and until now Starbucks has been a notable omission.

"We are delighted that this situation has now been remedied, and are looking forward to Starbucks' success in Sunderland."

The Rams

July 29th, 2008, 09:04 PM

Pride Park Stadium has a Starbucks at the ground, how weird is that.

geordiejon

July 31st, 2008, 01:58 PM

denm

July 31st, 2008, 02:15 PM

The government has announced funding for the new bridge over the Wear (as well as improvements for the Metro), which is great news for Sunderland. It is always really frustrating coming from the north and going to the town centre. Fingers crossed the design is something iconic and not some kind of boring Redheugh Bridge and A1 Blaydon Bridge.

Just seen the news mate, ------ hopefully it won't be to long before we see the design for the iconic new bridge, ----btw, it's designed by a local lad, --think he's from cleadon.

sterock85

July 31st, 2008, 11:17 PM

So will there be new routes/stations in Sunderland for the Metro?

And is this 4th bridge a different one to the 'iconic' bridge being planned?

geordiejon

August 1st, 2008, 10:22 AM

So will there be new routes/stations in Sunderland for the Metro?

And is this 4th bridge a different one to the 'iconic' bridge being planned?

The 4th bridge is the "iconic" bridge that has been mentioned. The council wouldnt put out some expensive "iconic" design in the public domian if it then turned out the gov werent gonna give them any money for it so it was all hush hush. If they hadnt got the money sunderland prob would have ended up with some boring concrete bridge- similar to the Redheugh bridge- now though something a bit more exciting can be designed. Good news.

No new routes or stations planned with the money the gov. is giving. As I have mentioned on the Newcastle thread, it is a bit sad that we get all excited about money to simply maintain the Metro rather than increase the system (as they are doing in cities like Manchester). The money is to improve stations (which I imagine are for the older stations on Tyneside as many in Sunderland are new anyway), tracks, signaling and refurbish carriages and eventually- in 2019 replace the trains altogether. So any new stations will only happen on current lines- like they are doing on Simonside in South Tyneside. I know another station has been mentioned betweek Pelaw and Hebburn near South Tyneside College, but havent heard owt about Sunderland. Maybe if there was more stations in Sunderland the usage of the Metro in the town would be better. No extensions to the West end of Newcastle, up to Cramlington or down to Washington as was originally planned back in 1980.

Of course everyone is happy money for Metro and bridges but no money for any improvements to the road network in the north east- the A1 Western bypass will continue as a nightmare for anyone in Sunderland trying to get to the airport!!!

denm

August 1st, 2008, 10:56 AM

sterock85

August 1st, 2008, 12:14 PM

Nothing more to add to gordiejon about the Metro think he's covered everything,--- ---but with regards to the new bridge -- it will have 4 lanes and will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists -----and with the goverments funding and backing of the scheme there should be no excuse now for the council --not to display the --iconic design of the bridge ---we have heard councillors telling us that the design has the "WoW" factor, ---well let us all see it and we can juge for ourselves.

The 4th bridge is the "iconic" bridge that has been mentioned. The council wouldnt put out some expensive "iconic" design in the public domian if it then turned out the gov werent gonna give them any money for it so it was all hush hush. If they hadnt got the money sunderland prob would have ended up with some boring concrete bridge- similar to the Redheugh bridge- now though something a bit more exciting can be designed. Good news.

No new routes or stations planned with the money the gov. is giving. As I have mentioned on the Newcastle thread, it is a bit sad that we get all excited about money to simply maintain the Metro rather than increase the system (as they are doing in cities like Manchester). The money is to improve stations (which I imagine are for the older stations on Tyneside as many in Sunderland are new anyway), tracks, signaling and refurbish carriages and eventually- in 2019 replace the trains altogether. So any new stations will only happen on current lines- like they are doing on Simonside in South Tyneside. I know another station has been mentioned betweek Pelaw and Hebburn near South Tyneside College, but havent heard owt about Sunderland. Maybe if there was more stations in Sunderland the usage of the Metro in the town would be better. No extensions to the West end of Newcastle, up to Cramlington or down to Washington as was originally planned back in 1980.

Of course everyone is happy money for Metro and bridges but no money for any improvements to the road network in the north east- the A1 Western bypass will continue as a nightmare for anyone in Sunderland trying to get to the airport!!!

Thanks Geordiejon.

Hopefully we'll see some designs of the new bridge soon.

EDIT: The artcicle i read in the Echo stated funding would include 'new stations'....

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Metro-network39s-300m-windfall.4343415.jp

More than £300million of Government cash is to be spent on upgrading the Metro network, it was announced today.
The move by the Department for Transport to support Phase 2 of Metro Re-invigoration is by far the biggest financial deal for the service since it opened in 1980.

In addition to investing in modernisation projects costing up to £350million over the next 10 years, the Government has also made a commitment to underwrite the operating costs of Metro up to 2019.

The news has been welcomed by Metro operator Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority and business and community leaders in the North East as a vital boost to the region's transport network.

Phase 2 will start in April 2010 and last nine years. It will include new stations across the the network, a new communications system to manage train movements, modernisation of overhead power lines, plus other infrastructure and technology, the overhaul of scores of bridges and tunnels up to 160 years old, and the complete refurbishment of the 90 Metrocars that make up the train fleet.

denm

August 5th, 2008, 11:05 AM

Anyone know of how the Farringdon Row site is progressing ? ----the last time I passed by the area there was a little activity ( a few machines), --- just wondering if the site is getting fully geared up --or,-- if it's just the ground works, ---- any of the lads been passed lately ?

ferge

August 8th, 2008, 01:39 AM

There's activity on the st.peter's wharf site. I'd presumed the portacabins were all there as part of the rail bridge redevelopment, but now there's now some drilling equipment on site. A possible resumption of construction?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/stpeters.jpg

The activity corresponds presumably to the block on the top right of the picture above.

Also, the foundations of the next phasa of the river quarter are underway.

Whats the state of play with this development, (found on page 2) any of the buildings u/c or topped, or even complete? looks boss!

denm

August 8th, 2008, 09:51 AM

Whats the state of play with this development, (found on page 2) any of the buildings u/c or topped, or even complete? looks boss!

Change of plans for St Peters Wharf at Bonner's Field, --Akenside Developers want to build a 160 bed 3/4 star Hotel aswell as 200 apartments and accommodation for 300 students,---- they were due to submit plans around April / june and if they get permission they were hoping to start work before Christmas, ---- I don't know if they recieved planning permission or even submitted one, ---hopefully they get the go-ahead -- a new Hotel will be a welcome addition to the City.

A couple of the apartment buildings from the original plans near to the river are complete.

geordiejon

August 13th, 2008, 12:06 PM

Cities [...] like Sunderland had "lost much of their raison d'etre" with the decline of shipping and had "little prospect of offering their residents the standard of living to which they aspire". It was time to be "realistic about the ability of cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle to regenerate struggling nearby towns such as Liverpool, Bradford and Sunderland"

What does anyone reckon about this then? "Beyond revival" is also mentioned in a report carried out by Policy Exchange also that Sunderland Council should provide free metro tickets for those that want to get jobs on Tyneside- creating Sunderland as a commuter town to Newcastle.

Bit Harsh and rather far right init?

denm

August 13th, 2008, 01:19 PM

If ever there was ANY DOUBT of Southern prejudice and arrogant ignorance towards the North --then JUST READ this report ---- Iv'e never read so much BOLLOX from so called educated people, IT REALLY BEGGARS BELIEF, what THESE MORONS have said,------ so ------here's just a few things for the intelligent people from the think tank :nuts: :lol: to digest ----- 10,000 jobs each decade created, ----in the last year alone over 1,000 people have moved from the South east to Sunderland, -----there is a 50 per cent rise in inward investment projects, ---Sunderland has the biggest car manufacturing in the UK, ----Sunderland is the most digitally connected City in the UK, these are just a few of the many good things happening in Sunderland, they are fact, ---I wonder how much money and how much time has been spent by these ignorant doom merchants, ----God can you imagine what would have happened if these people had been advising the government during World War 2 ---- A word starting with the letter F comes to mind.
rant over.

geordiejon

August 13th, 2008, 03:03 PM

sterock85

August 13th, 2008, 04:44 PM

denm

August 14th, 2008, 10:43 AM

These figures may sound good, but maybe if you were to look at the numbers in a town or city in the south you might find many many more jobs created for each decade, sunderland probably has one of the only car manufacturing factory in the UK and I aint really sure what being digitally connected means in general really northern cities are poor and have high levels of poverty. We don't have the luxury people in the south have.
An example of how far behind we are up here from the south was in the Echo the other week- there was big excitment that a Starbucks is opening in Sunderland. I mean come on, there are starbucks in pretty much every street corner in cities across the world and a city of 300,000 doesnt have one in northern england. Rather shocking really. I wouldnt imagine a rag in the south would print such a story.

There is poverty in a lot of areas (including the South) there is unemployment in many areas (including the South) ------- the reason for Northern Cities and in particular Sunderland trying to --"catch up" to the South is because of the massive changes it has had do go through ,--after Sunderlands heavy industries was decimated 20 years ago it has had to reinvent itself --it's taking time but we are getting there --Sunderland is on the up ---it is one of the most progressive Cities in the UK, ---there are many foriegn companys investing in Sunderland ---Sunderland is also one of the most Intelligent Cities in the World and was given the accolade because of Sunderlands transformation following the demise of shipbuilding and mining industries ----all good things happening in Sunderland, ------which makes Dr Leunigs think tank report particularly galling, ----- his comment of Sunderland being -----" beyond revival" ---is unbelivable and unforgivable ---- just think of the damage this report could do when other commpanys are thinking of coming to Sunderland ---I think this report is ignoring current facts, --indeed even Mr Cameron (who normally believes in this think tank) has distanced himself by saying it is rubish and ---"insane",----finally you mentioned Starbucks and suggested --there was --"big exitment" because it was coming to Sunderland, ---please give me a break, I can tell you that not one person I have spoken to has even mentioned Starbucks --and personaly I couldn't care less. -----so up sticks and leave Sunderland and the North East for the South, ---NO THANKS.

denm

August 14th, 2008, 10:52 AM

The one thing that really irritates me is that Sunderland DOES have alot of potential to be a great city. A few of us went to the Sunderland airshow but with the planes being cancelled decided to go for a walk along the seafront round the marina and up the river. My non local friends where impressed and where surprised at the natural beauty Sunderland is located on. If only the council and some huge investment took advantage of this it could have something that Newcastle doesn't offer, Having the coast AND the river, I don't think Sunderland should try and compete with Newcastle it should offer something different that Newcastle doesn't have and making a better Tyne & Wear in the long run.

BTW if what im writing isn't written particularly well just tell me and i'll explain it again. My writing skills aren't the best :ohno:

Your right Sunderland is a nice place and it has got a beautifull coastline, ---yes it has some bad areas but what Town or City does'nt -----the North East has some lovely places and it really hacks me off when some people are constantly having a dig at us ---- the worst are those that have never been here, ---btw mate, --your writing is ok, --I think everyone understands what your saying.

geordiejon

August 14th, 2008, 11:42 AM

Yes Sunderland does need to concentrate on the beaches, which to be honest are rather nice- not quite as big and wide as Tynemouth or Whitley Bay, but it is great when you literally walk off the path and you on the sand. Unfortunetly Sunderland town centre doesnt have the grandness of Newcastle's victorian streets or the seven bridges over the quayside and it will be hard to recreate the "city feel" in Sunderland, as in reality it feels like a town- like South Shields or Whitley Bay.
It will be great to see the design for the new bridge, and hopefully some development along the riverside will take place- its seems a bit neglected when you drive into Sunderland.

city_thing

August 16th, 2008, 11:32 AM

denm

August 18th, 2008, 11:33 AM

Don't think there are many folk that bothered about Starbucks mate, ---but I understand and take your point.

denm

August 18th, 2008, 11:39 AM

There are plans to transform the upper floors of Joplings to create a 120 bed Hotel ---- the top three floors are empty----- so it's a good way to utilise large empty spaces imo, -- the outside of the building will also get a refit.

city_thing

August 18th, 2008, 11:43 PM

Don't think there are many folk that bothered about Starbucks mate, ---but I understand and take your point.

LOL. I'm not crying about it or anything. I just thought they were dying a painful death, and was hoping they'd be wiped off the face of the planet sooner rather than later.

pityacker

August 20th, 2008, 11:39 PM

what is the concern? ability to raise the extra 30mil? doesnt seem so much given the 100mill awarded by govt. could it be structural problems? a little more info on iconic design as well...sounds fantatsic

the iconic structure – described as resembling two sets of interlocking horns rising out of the river, intertwining in a candy-cane twist.
Sunderland echo story here....

Design concerns over new Wear bridge

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryPublished Date:
20 August 2008
By Ross Robertson
Council reporter
A third set of plans is being drawn up for the new Wear crossing as the iconic design could prove a bridge too far, the Echo understands.

Council bosses are about to launch a public consultation on the new bridge after securing almost £98million to build the structure.

It is hoped the crossing will boost business links and slash congestion. And the iconic design drawn up by competitADVERTISEMENT ion-winning architect Stephen Spence is seen as being the landmark Sunderland needs to put it on the map.

But council sources say a third set of plans is being drawn up because of concerns over Spence's design – which has been kept under wraps by city leaders.

The new set of plans is said to be a compromise between a standard bridge and the iconic structure – described as resembling two sets of interlocking horns rising out of the river, intertwining in a candy-cane twist.

Despite constant requests from the Echo, the council has always refused to make the iconic design public, because of fears that it may raise the public's expectations for a project that may not happen.

Sunderland Tory leader Lee Martin said it was vital the city didn't settle for a concrete fly-over like the Hylton Bridge and put all its efforts into making Stephen Spence's plans a reality.

"I think it's time the council released the plans for the bridge.

"The reasons they gave for not releasing them before is that the people of Sunderland would be disappointed if the bridge couldn't go ahead – but now we've got the funding," he said.

"The council is going to be starting the consultation soon and I think it should be consulting on the iconic bridge, not a watered-down version of Stephen Spence's designs."

He added: "The thing that keeps Sunderland in the public profile at the moment is being in the Premier League and I think we need something else that really puts something on the map."

Coun Martin said Sunderland had taken a lot of flak in the report by Policy Exchange, which said efforts to regenerate Wearside were in vain, and an iconic bridge would show that the city had some confidence in its future.

It is believed that there is a cost gap of about £30million between the basic bridge and the iconic structure, and Coun Martin said it was tax-payers' money so it was only right that they decided how it was spent – and were able to make that decision knowing all the facts.

Both Stephen Spence and engineering company Techniker, which worked on the designs, have spoken out on the designs and called on the council to release their plans.

But Spence claims Sunderland City Council has never supported their proposal.

He said: "It is my belief that they have no intention of ever building our scheme.

"If this is the case then Sunderland City Council should be strong and bold enough to make this public and move forward.

"If this is not the case, then they should request the design team make a presentation and ask them directly to address their concerns."

Phil Barrett, Director of Development and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, stressed that no details on the bridge consultation have yet been released.

He said: "Sunderland City Council is preparing a public involvement exercise where people will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed River Wear crossing.

"Further details on this will be released shortly."

denm

August 22nd, 2008, 11:34 AM

The Council want a third set of plans, -----Stephen Spence the Architect of the original "iconic" design is hacked right off; ---I don't blame him --read --- this from the Echo today

The man behind Wearside's proposed landmark bridge believes his design will never be built.
Resembling two sets of intertwining horns rising from the river and soaring as high as Penshaw Monument, Stephen Spence's competition-winning design is seen as the structure that could spearhead Sunderland's regeneration.

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But, so far, council bosses have kept the designs top secret to avoid "disappointing" the public if a lack of funding meant the bridge could not be built.

It looked like the project would go ahead once the council secured £98million in Government funding for a bridge, which is aimed at slashing congestion and boosting business links.

But now council sources say concerns over the design have led to a third set of plans – a compromise between a standard bridge and Spence's iconic design.

A public consultation on the three proposals is expected to start in September, but South Shields-born architect Spence told the Echo the deck was being stacked against his proposals.

And a leaked council email has revealed that Wearsiders will not get the chance to vote on which bridge they want.

"Instead they are going to be asked emotive questions about how much it will cost and where the money will come from," said Mr Spence. "The people of Sunderland are worth more than some bargain-basement option.

"All we need is someone with the guts to say 'let's go for it,' but unfortunately there's not many of those characters around."

He said his plans had been checked by engineers and no problems had been found. His landmark pedestrian bridge at Stockton had shown issues could be resolved.

He believes Sunderland Council had never supported his proposals since he first won the design competition in 2005.

"It is my belief that they have no intention of ever building our scheme. If this is the case then Sunderland City Council should be strong and bold enough to make this public and move forward," he said.

"If this is not the case then they should request the design team make a presentation and ask them directly to address their concerns – specifically and precisely."

Phil Barrett, Director of Development and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "Sunderland Council wants to know what people think about the proposed new Wear crossing on a number of factors and not only cost.

"However, affordability of the bridge is crucial to deliverability and that's why it's holding a public involvement exercise where people can give their views before any decision is made."

Sunderland Tory leader Lee Martin said it was crucial that Wearside did not miss out on an iconic bridge which would put Sunderland on the map and be something to hold over Tyneside.

"I think the council are only thinking about the bridge as something that will carry traffic and pedestrians, but it's a lot more than that," he said.

He said a landmark bridge would show that Sunderland had confidence in its future and that Wearside was open for business.

sterock85

August 22nd, 2008, 07:08 PM

denm

August 23rd, 2008, 11:57 AM

Sunderland Council have a great oppotunity to build something special, ----imho the new Bridge should be a -- Iconic Structure, --not a compromise -- and not second best, -- the Council should not waste this oppotunity to deliver a landmark structure for Sunderland, ---- ( don't spoil the ship for a ha'peth of tar)

denm

August 28th, 2008, 01:00 PM

Mountview Securities have submitted a planning application for the rageneration of the Sunderland Retail Park at the wheat sheaf ----the scheme will include a large --Tescos Extra store, -----lets hope the plans get the go-ahead, --then we might see some movement at the Vaux site.

denm

September 1st, 2008, 12:22 PM

At last we get to see the new design, --
View of the bridgehttp://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/BRITISH100/newbridge.jpg

REVEALED AT LAST: Stephen Spence’s design for the bridge between Pallion and Hylton Castle.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 01 September 2008
By Ross Robertson
After three years under wraps, the Echo can finally reveal the iconic design drawn up for the new Wear bridge.
Soaring into the sky, the landmark bridge would be the height of Penshaw Monument, making it what designers call "a signpost for the city."

The bridge – designed by competition-winning architect Stephen Spence – is one of three sets of plans drawn up for the new Wear crossing between Pallion and Hylton Castle.

Council bosses have been pledged £98million in Government funding to build a bridge, and a new road network, to boost business links and slash congestion.

But extra funds would be needed to build the landmark structure designed by Mr Spence, some of which could come from development agency One NorthEast.

Wearsiders are soon to be asked their opinions on the bridge designs – which also include a basic option and what is said to be "a watered down version" of the iconic design.

Matthew Wells, of structural engineers Techniker – who worked on the project with Mr Spence – said the bridge was not a technically difficult or radically new structure, but it was the shape that made it so dramatic.

It is a cable-stay bridge, where the deck of the crossing is supported by wires and rods connected to an overhead cable – a tried and tested method used around the globe.

But Mr Wells said it was Mr Spence's unique take on the actual shape of the bridge – with a twisted pylon rising like two intertwining horns rising out of the river – that would make it a symbol for Sunderland that would be recognised around the world.

At 688ft, the highest point of the bridge would be visible for miles around – with the deck 830ft across the river.

"You would be able see it from the main road and the railway line – it would be a proper signpost for the city," Mr Wells said.

Council bosses are due to launch public consultation on the three bridge designs, expected to begin later this month.

But critics say it is vital for Sunderland to get the landmark structure, because the new bridge should not just be a way of getting from one side of the river to the other – it should show the world that Sunderland is open for business.

Council bosses have not yet revealed details of the consultation exercise, but it has already been suggested that Wearsiders will be asked questions about cost and other practical issues rather than an all-out vote on which bridge they want.

It is rumoured that concerns over cost and maintenance may make the landmark bridge unaffordable, but the design team says it is confident it can work through any problems if given the chance.

The full article contains 456 words and appears in n/a newspaper.

tann66

September 1st, 2008, 02:47 PM

Newcastle Guy

September 1st, 2008, 03:34 PM

I found a slightly better image in the Journal:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2008/9/2/1D4B92D7-ED92-8D09-890D88093B43BEEB.jpg

V. nice. It'll be a true icon for Sunderland.

denm

September 1st, 2008, 04:02 PM

I found a slightly better image in the Journal:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/sep2008/9/2/1D4B92D7-ED92-8D09-890D88093B43BEEB.jpg

V. nice. It'll be a true icon for Sunderland.

Yeah, thats a more clear and better image marra, ---it certainly is different to anything I've seen before, --and I agree it does look good and would be a iconic structure, --I hope now when people have seen this design --that the Council go for it -- and don't plump for a --run of the mill design.

sterock85

September 1st, 2008, 08:59 PM

Heres an even bigger link :)

http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/sterock85/bridgepg5.jpg

Must say this is very impressive :D

Let's pray it's given the go ahead!

sterock85

September 1st, 2008, 11:49 PM

Does anyone know the exact location of where the new bridge will be?

denm

September 2nd, 2008, 10:32 AM

Does anyone know the exact location of where the new bridge will be?

From my understanding it will be --from Claxheugh on the South side -- across to Wessington Way near Hylton / Castletown on the North side, ---btw marra --the larger image does make the design look more impressive.

pityacker

September 2nd, 2008, 12:17 PM

From my understanding it will be --from Claxheugh on the South side -- across to Wessington Way near Hylton / Castletown on the North side, ---btw marra --the larger image does make the design look more impressive.

This design is outstanding, it simply must go ahead. Does anybody have an idea of the difference in cost between the a) b) and c) designs? Surely we must be talking a marginal increase of £50mill or less.

It seems a little bit spineless of the council to not have the stomach to make a decision themselves. Im all for democracy but fear the council's intention could be to take the least risk route, bamboozle the public with the inference of high costs to, and benefits that might not relate directly to the public (Worldwide PR, benefit for business for e.g.) That gives them a 'you decided its fete, not us' get out when if it doesnt go ahead.

Really hope im wrong but I cant help feeling a little more gumption would have helped here had the council decided that this was an unmissable opportunity and just bit the bullet.

Lets hope the media get behind the design as well. Sunderland needs this icon and has done for years.

pityacker

September 2nd, 2008, 12:45 PM

denm

September 2nd, 2008, 02:37 PM

This design is outstanding, it simply must go ahead. Does anybody have an idea of the difference in cost between the a) b) and c) designs? Surely we must be talking a marginal increase of £50mill or less.

It seems a little bit spineless of the council to not have the stomach to make a decision themselves. Im all for democracy but fear the council's intention could be to take the least risk route, bamboozle the public with the inference of high costs to, and benefits that might not relate directly to the public (Worldwide PR, benefit for business for e.g.) That gives them a 'you decided its fete, not us' get out when if it doesnt go ahead.

Really hope im wrong but I cant help feeling a little more gumption would have helped here had the council decided that this was an unmissable opportunity and just bit the bullet.

Lets hope the media get behind the design as well. Sunderland needs this icon and has done for years.

Regarding the Councils decision making ---or lack of, --I totally agree with you ----the Council MUST STEP UP TO THE PLATE and back this Iconic design, --- this is a golden opportunity for the Council to put Sunderland on the map and they should grasp it with both hands, ---if the Council want the peoples views --then here is a little taster from a poll in the Echo --- two thirds said they thought the design was an "iconic work of art", another 15% were impressed with it, about 11% thought it was rubbish, and about 3% thought it was poor design, ---- take note Councilors .

denm

September 2nd, 2008, 02:55 PM

found an image that mght have not have been seen with a bit more of the square, its on this link:

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3116947

Sunderland is 2012 camp
27 June 2008

Faulkner Brown’s CitySpace scheme for the University of Sunderland has been selected by the Olympic Delivery Authority as a training camp for the 2012 games.

The £11 million project will provide a focus for non-academic activities on campus, as well as offering a mix of facilities for staff and students, and serving the wider community.

It will have a small-scale performance venue, a six-court sports hall and a 70-station fitness area overlooking the central square.

Cityspace began on site in April, with completion forecast for late 2009.

As far as architecture goes I am a sort of tradionalist, you know --Victorian / Edwardian---but I do like and appreciate some modern buildings, -- I think the new "City Space "--- is a futuristic looking building and I like it, -----both it and the other buildings will transform the look of the City Campus, btw, I think it's due to be completed
in Sept next year.

tann66

September 3rd, 2008, 10:26 AM

tann66

September 3rd, 2008, 10:37 AM

found an image that mght have not have been seen with a bit more of the square, its on this link:

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3116947

Sunderland is 2012 camp
27 June 2008

Faulkner Brown’s CitySpace scheme for the University of Sunderland has been selected by the Olympic Delivery Authority as a training camp for the 2012 games.

The £11 million project will provide a focus for non-academic activities on campus, as well as offering a mix of facilities for staff and students, and serving the wider community.

It will have a small-scale performance venue, a six-court sports hall and a 70-station fitness area overlooking the central square.

Cityspace began on site in April, with completion forecast for late 2009.

I like the look of the city space building, and I also like the idea that not only students and athletes will be using these facilities but also as stated it will also serve the wider community

denm

September 4th, 2008, 09:58 AM

after looking at those bigger images of the bridge I also think it looks great and I agree that sunderland council should give the go ahead for this design, does anybody know how long it will be before they begin to build it.

From what I have read --the earliest start to build would be in late 2011 and completion in spring 2014, ----just hope I'm around to see it :)

denm

September 4th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Futher to the proposed New Bridge and in particular the peoples chance to have their say,

Have your say on Wear bridge

Stephen Spence’s design for the bridge between Pallion and Hylton Castle.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTWearsiders will be asked on what they want from the new Wear bridge as part of a public consultation which starts next week.
The Echo revealed the landmark structure, drawn up by architect Stephen Spence this week, and other options are also being considered.

A programme for a new Wear bridge is set so start in 2011 and be completed in 2014.

Now council bosses have announced the dates and places where Wearsiders can have their say on the project.

Sunderland City Council says comments from the public will help shape its decision on what type of bridge can be built between Wessington Way and Pallion New Road.

All of the city's Customer Service Centre's and public libraries will be open next Wednesday offering more information on the bridge and a chance to comment.

There will also be council staff at The Bridges, Washington Galleries and Morrisons at Seaburn.

Wearsiders can learn more and have their say at:
- Any Sunderland Customer Service Centre. Wednesday to Friday September
- 0 to 19, 8.30am – 5.15pm.
- Any Sunderland library. (same dates as above.)
- The Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington. Thursday to Saturday, September 11 to 13.
- Morrisons, Seaburn, Sunderland. Sunday to Tuesday, September 14 to 16.
- The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland. Thursday to Sunday, September 18 to 21.
- Hylton Riverside Retail Park, Sunderland (Staples car park). Friday, September 12, 1pm – 3.30pm
- Pallion Road Retail Park, Sunderland (Matalan car park). Tuesday, September 16, 10am – 4pm

For more details, call 520 5555 during normal office hours or visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/newbridge– which goes live next week.

I for one will definately be having a look ---and also having my two peneth worth

pityacker

September 6th, 2008, 06:20 PM

the arc's Vaux site has been updated...and sounds like things are moving in the right direction. Good to see Quinny doing his bit for the city as well as the Lads.

VAUX OPPORTUNITY TO BE LAUNCHED AT SPECIAL EVENT

04/09/2008

The official launch of the North East’s premier city centre development opportunity - Vaux – is taking place in Sunderland in September.

The launch event, being held at The Stadium of Light on Wednesday 24th September at 2pm, will give developers the chance to see the former brewery site first hand and meet key figures involved in Sunderland’s flagship regeneration project.

David Walker, chief executive of Sunderland arc, said: “We are inviting interested parties to join us as we commence the developer selection process for this prestigious 10.44 hectare Brownfield site.

“Sunderland is a city on the up, offering a wealth of potential and possibilities to those ready to take a major stake in this fast-rising part of the North East. This event will give you the chance to find out how you can play a vital part in its continuing renaissance.”

Attendees and speakers include:

David Walker Chief Executive of Sunderland arc,
Dave Smith Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council
Cllr Paul Watson Leader of Sunderland City Council
Niall Quinn Chairman of Sunderland Football Club

Members of the Sunderland arc team, together with its advisers Eversheds and GVA Grimley, will talk attendees through the opportunity. They and representatives from the arc’s public sector partners Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast and English Partnerships, will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Important marketing materials, including the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, will also be distributed at the event.

If you are interested in attending the event please contact Eve Fawcett at GVA Grimley Ltd, on 0113 280 8016 or email eve.fawcett@gvagrimley.co.uk

For further information on Vaux visit www.vauxsite.co.uk

pityacker

September 6th, 2008, 06:37 PM

excerpt from the FAQ page of vaux.co.uk is below...interesting bit about the court building. it would be a good anchor for a development the size of Vaux and i dare say would be a landmark building for £50mil. Fantastic news that they feel ready to sign up a lead developer. Im sure Tesco would sell if they get the retail park site sorted but i suppose have to publically maintain vaux as an option until its done, and to maintain its value for the sale.

PS Has anything started at farringdon row yet? seems to have gone quiet since earlier this year when there was a bit of a fanfare about it.

PPS I reckon the report that stated regeneration in sunderland hadnt worked can only work in our favour. If, as looks likley, the tories win the next election they will have to be seen to be backing sunderland. Cameron certainly distanced himself from it staright after. The fact of the matter is that the regeneration of sunderland hasnt actually taken place yet!

What is the situation with Tesco at the moment?

The arc’s planning consent and the Council’s adoption of the UDP are both the subject of legal challenges by Tesco, the current site owner. Notwithstanding this, formal negotiations to acquire the site from Tesco began in November 2007.

Meanwhile Tesco has confirmed publically that it is in discussions with Sunderland City Council over proposals to redevelop an alternative site – Sunderland Retail Park. It plans a new store along with other retail outlets in a redesigned retail park, with improved pedestrian and car access. Sunderland arc feels this would be a much more appropriate site for a supermarket and supports these plans, which will bring much-needed regeneration to this part of the city. Tesco’s plans for Sunderland Retail Park will complement our proposals for the Vaux site.

Given that back in January 2006 Tesco said it would release the Vaux site if planning permission for a new store was approved elsewhere in Sunderland, there is now the potential for an early resolution.

In July 2008 a public consultation was held over plans for Sunderland Retail Park and a planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.

What if Tesco will not sell the land?

The arc is currently in negotiations with Tesco to acquire the site.

If these negotiations fail then the arc’s partner One NorthEast has the statutory power to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire the site. However, this power would only be used as a last resort and following failure of negotiations with the site owner.

What stage are Sunderland arc’s plans at?

Now that Sunderland arc’s plans have gained significant public and private sector support at local, regional and national level, we are now in a strong position to push forward our plans. In September 2007 we appointed GVA Lamb & Edge to value the site and in November 2007 the arc and its partners entered into formal negotiations with Tesco to acquire the site. These negotiations are still ongoing but in the meantime the site has been earmarked for a new £50m courts complex. The new state-of-the-art, landmark building will comprise a crown, magistrates' and county court, generating office demand from sectors with links to the courts and enhancing connectivity with the city centre. Sunderland is the only area in the country to be given the green light for the new combined court building as part of a £400m investment announced by the Government.
All of the above, plus the fact that Tesco is looking at an alternative site, has put us in a strong position to go to the market and find a developer partner that can realise our exciting ambitions for this highly desirable site. Marketing has now begun to select a lead developer partner for the whole site to deliver a comprehensive, employment-led mixed use scheme. Another reason for going to the market at this stage is to ensure that we are in a position to commence development as soon as possible when we have acquired the site and thus avoid further delays on a site, which has already sat empty for far too long.

When will development start on the site?

The question over when the arc would hope to start work on site is dependent on several factors. If Tesco agree to sell, work could commence on site by the beginning of 2010. If a CPO is necessary this could lead to another inquiry and work would be delayed until 2011.

In the meantime, following the SoS’s approval, the arc is currently working hard with its partners to ensure progress is made in developing this site.

sterock85

September 7th, 2008, 12:22 AM

Thanks!

Sounds very promising.

denm

September 7th, 2008, 11:49 AM

Regarding the Vaux site, -- some good info from Pityacker, ----- lets hope the meeting at the SoL this month will generate huge interest in the Vaux site, it could be that at last there might be some real progress being made, and, with a bit of luck maybe, just maybe we might see some work starting on that site in 18 month / two years time ( fingers crossed).

As for the Farringdon Row site, --I passed it a few weeks ago and there wasn't much going on -- I only saw a JCB and a Dumper, -- suppose they could be doing ground works.

The Sunderland Retail Park, ---a planning application was submitted about 10 days ago by Mountview Securities for that site, ---- the main Retailer would be a Tescos Extra store, ---- it seems that progress is being made on a number of fronts, ---- hopefully it won't be to long before we see some cranes on the skyline.

tann66

September 9th, 2008, 11:26 AM

sterock85

September 10th, 2008, 03:46 PM

Here's the penny pinching Labour council's view...

A new bridge for Sunderland.... let us have your views

A bridge is needed as part of a new route from the A19 and A1 into central Sunderland, reducing traffic congestion, connect major development sites and deliver new jobs.

The first phase of the planned new route will include a bridge spanning the river and linking Wessington Way and Pallion.

We have the promise of some cash for a new bridge
The Government is funding up to £98m, with a local contribution of £6m. This totals £104m, to build a conventional bridge and link roads.

Can we afford a ‘designer’ bridge?
We have a design concept for a unique version of a cable stay bridge. This project has been costed at £133m.

That’s approximately £30m more than we have access to, and if we had it there are many things the people of Sunderland may feel are equally important – it is the equivalent of 6 new schools, for example.

ONE North East has offered further funding for a ‘designer’ bridge, but we would still need to find £21m. The options the council would have to consider are increasing council tax and/or reducing services.

What you get for the extra millions
An iconic bridge could be a distinctive new symbol for the city, helping to raise our profile and increase the potential of the new route to bring even more jobs and prosperity.

We are all ambitious for our city, but we also need to offer good value for money. The question is – what price do you put on having something very different on the city’s landscape? Is it worth a difference of £30m and the impact on council taxpayers?

Another option
We could choose to build a conventional, tried and tested bridge that could be paid for within the budget we have, which is £104m.

The type of bridge for this option is likely to be similar in concept to the Hylton Bridge on the A19.

The risks
Prices may change due to market conditions and it isn’t possible to definitely say what a project of this scale will cost. It’s impossible to predict the ultimate cost because of delays and extra costs caused by unforeseen technical hitches and other risk factors.

:ohno::ohno:

http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/committees/CmisWebPublic/Members.aspx

Get e-mailing a counsellor now!!

What a joke it will be if they opt for the bog standard crap instead over a mere 30 million.

geordiejon

September 10th, 2008, 04:17 PM

A mere £30million? That is still a lot of money and as it has been said- it could build 6 new schools or improve services. It would appear the council want to build the cheaper one- they are going out of their way to inform residents of Sunderland what the extra £30m could pay for- if they do some research (which I am sure they are gonna) if they present the costs as it is above, I think the majority of old biddies etc will not want the £30m spent on a bridge- especially as they state it might actually end up costing more than anticipated.

tann66

September 11th, 2008, 10:48 AM

denm

September 11th, 2008, 02:26 PM

all this talk about the extra 20 million pounds for the iconic bridge and how this money can be used for schools / health and other services, well correct me if I am wrong but hasn't sunderland council already costed and is well into a massive building programme of schools / colleges and health services such as walk in centres /dr surgeries etc, also sports and fitness and well being centres how many more do we need ? btw I am sure I read somewhere that the council has a contingency fund of 50 millions, if so I cannot understand why they won't use some of this to cover the 20 million short fall, I think this a hell of a opportunity for the council to build something special for the city I hope they go for the spencer design.

Your correct tann, -- the Council IS spending millions of pounds --providing services such as building colleges and schools also renovating schools, --and they also have been improving health facilities and building walk-in centres and new Dr surgeries and various others, --------as for the Councils comments (which appear to favour a ordinary conventional bridge)why I wonder did they bother to hold a competition for top architects to design a iconic structure ? when they could have asked any structural architect/engineer to draw up a standard design :nuts: --------anyway your point regarding a fund -- well apparently it's a reserve fund of £60 million, ---- anyway instead of going into detail this next piece taken from the Echo might explain a bit more.

Designer bridge 'need not cost taxpayers extra'

Stephen Spence's design for a Wear bridge.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTSupporters of the landmark design for the new Wear bridge have slammed claims that council tax payers would have to fork out £30million directly out of their pockets.

The team behind the "iconic" river crossing – which would stand 688ft tall and be visible for miles around – say it would be a signpost for the city and a signal to the world that Sunderland is open for business.

But council bosses say the structure, designed by architect Stephen Spence, would cost £133million, including the link roads – nearly £30million more than their basic £104million beam-bridge option.

>> Vote in our poll now using the panel on the right of this page

They are warning Wearsiders taking part in a public consultation, which begins today, that council services could take a hit or council tax bills go up to fund the cost-gap.

They say Band D council tax payers would have to pay an extra £263, or £53 each year for five years, to fund what they call the "designer bridge."

But only a small percentage of households are charged at the Band D rate. Band A properties, which account for two-thirds of all homes in Sunderland, would pay £175.75 immediately, or £35.15 a year over five years, which equals 67p per week.

It is also not clear if this could actually represent an extra payment or the potential value of lost services to households.

Critics say the idea that Wearsiders will have to fund the cost-gap is outrageous.

Mick Thurlbeck, chairman of the Sunderland committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said that if the city ended up with a basic bridge it would have a knock-on effect and developments on the Vaux site and other regeneration areas would end up being basic as well.

"If we end up with another bridge similar to the one on the A19 it will be a tragedy," he said.

"Everybody's got a bridge like that. We need something different that's really going to put us on the map."

The businessman, who runs the Argent Business and Conference Centre and Euazone café bar in Sunniside, said an iconic bridge was something worth dipping into the city's reserve funds for.

"You could probably pay for it with 18 months income from (our shares in) Newcastle Airport," he said.

Sunderland Tories dispute the £30million figure, and their transport spokesman, Coun Peter Wood, said the last figure he had was closer to £10million – the amount reportedly pledged by One NorthEast towards the cost of an iconic structure.

The Conservatives say it is vital Wearside gets Stephen Spence's bridge, and claim the council has £60million stashed in the Strategic Investment Reserve – some of which could be used to fund the project.

David Walker, chief executive of regeneration agency Sunderland arc, said: "Sunderland arc has always had aspirations for an iconic bridge that would put the city on the map and play a key role in its economic transformation."

Sunderland Council leader Paul Watson said the authority, and the people of Sunderland, had to decide whether or not having such a structure was worth £30million of taxpayers' money.

"We will be guided by what the people of Sunderland say. But we need people to be aware of the potential impact the 'iconic' bridge design may have on their council tax or services," he said.

"Aspirations for an 'iconic' bridge come with an extra cost and people need that information to help them decide."

The full article contains 586 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 10 September 2008 10:03 AM
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Location: Sunderland
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tann66

September 14th, 2008, 11:50 AM

Your correct tann, -- the Council IS spending millions of pounds --providing services such as building colleges and schools also renovating schools, --and they also have been improving health facilities and building walk-in centres and new Dr surgeries and various others, --------as for the Councils comments (which appear to favour a ordinary conventional bridge)why I wonder did they bother to hold a competition for top architects to design a iconic structure ? when they could have asked any structural architect/engineer to draw up a standard design :nuts: --------anyway your point regarding a fund -- well apparently it's a reserve fund of £60 million, ---- anyway instead of going into detail this next piece taken from the Echo might explain a bit more.

Designer bridge 'need not cost taxpayers extra'

Stephen Spence's design for a Wear bridge.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTSupporters of the landmark design for the new Wear bridge have slammed claims that council tax payers would have to fork out £30million directly out of their pockets.

The team behind the "iconic" river crossing – which would stand 688ft tall and be visible for miles around – say it would be a signpost for the city and a signal to the world that Sunderland is open for business.

But council bosses say the structure, designed by architect Stephen Spence, would cost £133million, including the link roads – nearly £30million more than their basic £104million beam-bridge option.

>> Vote in our poll now using the panel on the right of this page

They are warning Wearsiders taking part in a public consultation, which begins today, that council services could take a hit or council tax bills go up to fund the cost-gap.

They say Band D council tax payers would have to pay an extra £263, or £53 each year for five years, to fund what they call the "designer bridge."

But only a small percentage of households are charged at the Band D rate. Band A properties, which account for two-thirds of all homes in Sunderland, would pay £175.75 immediately, or £35.15 a year over five years, which equals 67p per week.

It is also not clear if this could actually represent an extra payment or the potential value of lost services to households.

Critics say the idea that Wearsiders will have to fund the cost-gap is outrageous.

Mick Thurlbeck, chairman of the Sunderland committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said that if the city ended up with a basic bridge it would have a knock-on effect and developments on the Vaux site and other regeneration areas would end up being basic as well.

"If we end up with another bridge similar to the one on the A19 it will be a tragedy," he said.

"Everybody's got a bridge like that. We need something different that's really going to put us on the map."

The businessman, who runs the Argent Business and Conference Centre and Euazone café bar in Sunniside, said an iconic bridge was something worth dipping into the city's reserve funds for.

"You could probably pay for it with 18 months income from (our shares in) Newcastle Airport," he said.

Sunderland Tories dispute the £30million figure, and their transport spokesman, Coun Peter Wood, said the last figure he had was closer to £10million – the amount reportedly pledged by One NorthEast towards the cost of an iconic structure.

The Conservatives say it is vital Wearside gets Stephen Spence's bridge, and claim the council has £60million stashed in the Strategic Investment Reserve – some of which could be used to fund the project.

David Walker, chief executive of regeneration agency Sunderland arc, said: "Sunderland arc has always had aspirations for an iconic bridge that would put the city on the map and play a key role in its economic transformation."

Sunderland Council leader Paul Watson said the authority, and the people of Sunderland, had to decide whether or not having such a structure was worth £30million of taxpayers' money.

"We will be guided by what the people of Sunderland say. But we need people to be aware of the potential impact the 'iconic' bridge design may have on their council tax or services," he said.

"Aspirations for an 'iconic' bridge come with an extra cost and people need that information to help them decide."

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Last Updated: 10 September 2008 10:03 AM
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thats a very interesring article mate, I think the council needs to tell people the full facts, because if its a fact that there is this £ 60 million strategic investment reserve fund then they must pay for the extra cost for the iconic design whether it be £10 m or £20 million out of the said fund rather than heaping all the cost on the people of sunderland, if this reserve fund of £60 millions exists but the council demand and insist that the people must pay then what a absolute disgrace this council will be, and personall I would never vote for them again, the people deserve to know the facts, sunderland council must tell the people the whole truth

ferge

September 14th, 2008, 04:20 PM

tann66

September 15th, 2008, 11:14 AM

Can't say I think that bridge design is right for the city.. from what I'm seeing of it, its just too ornate, too delicate. A place like this should be embracing the industrious aspect of its heritage even more so and having new landmarks like this won't do it any favours, especially given it doesn't seem to have much either side of its embankments.

The other bridges look good because they are of the time of industry and give that essence.
respect your opinion but
got to disagree mate, I think the design is excellent and everyone I have spoken to think its either great or a excellent design, although I understand your point regarding our industrial heritage, the sad truth is that all of our heavy industries have long gone and sunderland has had to move on, but we will never forget our proud heritage and this is recognised by the various heritage groups and museums through out the city and also the many sculptures, personally I think this iconic bridge could play a key roll in future developments of our city, as for your point that there is not much on either of the embankments, from what I can recall on the north side there are offices and retail already their, and on the south side I think there
are big development plans for the former coles /grove site, this new bridge will form part of a major new route into the city centre and the port and will boost the regeneration of sunderland

denm

September 16th, 2008, 02:32 PM

From the Echo site ----what the people have voted for

Massive thumbs-up for 'iconic' bridge

Stephen Spence's 'iconic' bridge design.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date:
15 September 2008
By Ross Robertson
Echo readers have come out in massive support of building an "iconic" bridge over the Wear, with 94 per cent of voters in favour of the project in our poll.
More than 7,500 votes flooded in by text message, email and online poll – with a majority saying they wanted to see a landmark bridge built in the city.

Echo editor Rob Lawon said: "The amount of votes that have come in show the bridge is a hot topic, but it's not for us to say 'the city has spoken'.

"This is such an important issue for the city that it is vital as many people as possible take part in consulatation exercises to get their opinions known.

"However, the combined results from our online and text phone votes are very clear."

Council bosses say Sunderland faces a £30million question: Do we want a basic beam-bridge – which would come within the £104million budget – or do we want to pay the difference for the landmark design drawn up by architect Stephen Spence?

Businessmen, opposition councillors and regeneration agency Sunderland arc have all said Stephen Spence's design would be a much-needed boost for Wearside's regeneration.

But it's still down to Wearsiders to tell city leaders what they want in the public consultation on the new bridge.

David Walker, chief executive of Sunderland arc, said: "It is no secret that Sunderland arc has always promoted an iconic bridge. Now, the public have to decide if it is a good thing to do."

Sunderland City Council was promised £98million of Government funding in June to fund a new bridge and 2km of link roads.

But Ministers said the council would have to find a £6million "local contribution" to the project.

The council says it has found an option which would come within budget and has warned Wearsiders that they may have to pay the difference themselves if they want to see Spence's design built instead.

Claims that council services would suffer or council taxes go up by as much as £263 have been slammed by supporters of the bridge – and it is not clear how the council could raise the money in this way.

Future revenue from the council's shares in Newcastle Airport, funding from organisations like One NorthEast and the £60million in reserves have been suggested as other possible sources of funding.

Supporters say OneNorth East has already pledged £10million towards the cost of the iconic bridge.

The £30million cost gap has also been questioned by both the design team and their supporters – but they cannot come up with an alternative figure.

They cliam this is because Sunderland Council has kept them in the dark as to how they calculated the costs.

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Fairly conclusive :)

denm

September 16th, 2008, 04:36 PM

that's good sounds though things are moving on a pace with vaux and tescos, I thought there would have been more progress on the farringdon row site, it's a bit dissapointing,
does anybody know how much progress has been made on the city space building ?.

Passed the City Space site yesterday and it looks like all the steel work is up, --- work on the City green building is progressing well --won't be to long before it's finished, ---as for the Farringdon Row site I don't know what progress has been made --last time I passed the site there wasn't much happening.

tann66

September 22nd, 2008, 01:45 PM

denm

September 22nd, 2008, 02:16 PM

Interesting development regarding -----Tesco

Tesco offer arc Vaux deal

Tesco offer to arc

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date:
22 September 2008
By Kevin Clark
Supermarket giant Tesco wants to develop the Vaux brewery site alongside rival Sunderland arc, the Echo can reveal.
The arc launched its search for a development partner for the Vaux site earlier this month – even though Tesco still owns the land.

Now the supermarket chain has unexpectedly announced it is putting itself forward as the ideal choice.

Corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman, said: "We own the Vaux site and are the only developer in a position to deliver the scheme.

"Tesco has always said it will work with Sunderland arc on the Vaux site and we have already undertaken a significant amount of work on developing a viable scheme.

"No other developer can match our knowledge and experience of the site, and as we own it we are also the only company that can implement the project.

"Tesco is committed to making a significant investment into Sunderland and to the regeneration of the Vaux site.

"We look forward to working with Sunderland arc to deliver this important project for the city."

A partnership between the arc and Tesco would speed up work on the site substantially if it removed the need for the arc to secure a compulsory purchase order on the site.

Tesco's plans include a large supermarket, but with the city council's urban development plan banning large scale retail use on the site, pushing ahead would almost certainly require a public inquiry.

Tesco is the preferred operator for a supermarket which is included in plans to redevelop the Roker Retail Park - just the other side of Wearmouth Bridge - and may be more willing to give up its claim on Vaux if that scheme goes ahead.

Launching the search for a development partner earlier this month, arc chief executive David Walker said it was important to have a developer on board and ready to start work, even though Tesco still owned the land.

"We feel it's the right time because, in light of everyone's frustrations, the last thing we want to do is be in a position where we're ready to go but we've still got to find somebody to start work," he said.

"Tesco has owned the site for six years and there is still no prospect of them building a store on Vaux, given current Government policy and the planning framework for the city.

"We are not aware of Tesco developing a scheme elsewhere that has not included a large scale supermarket.

"Sunderland arc and its founder members Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast and English Partnerships, are seeking to maximise the regenerative impact of the Vaux site.

"In support of this, we are in the process of approaching developers to deliver an employment-led scheme that will create thousands of jobs and transform the economics of the city centre."

I'm intrigued , because as I understand Tescos can't build a large store on Vaux site because of the current policy, and I can't see Tesco withdrawing their prefer ed plan including a huge store, -----so whats their game, curious

denm

September 22nd, 2008, 03:01 PM

thanks for the updates denm, got to say its slow on here lately not many people getting on,
anyway, does anybody know when work on the central station will be completed, and, is the new bowling alley down high street open yet.

Yeah it's hit/miss sometimes on here :),

As for the Central Station, ----I think there is (approx) one year still to go before it's complete, -- they have installed two new lifts and a escalator and are concentrating on the walls and platforms and lighting now ----- the new Bowling alley is supposed to open this month.

pityacker

September 22nd, 2008, 11:45 PM

its a bloody joke. Thats not a deal, its a reaffirmation of what they have said all along. Tesco seem determined to keep on hammering out the same tired old lines, with no concern for the city. They are either posturing to maintain the value of what is a premium site or putting pressure on the planners to ensure they get the retail park proposals through without any hitches. Hopefully the latter. If they had anything to say that was really news it woul dbe that they would like to develop Vaux without a store, otherwise what is new?

It makes you think that the arc/one northeast or whoever has the final power should instigate the CPO now and at least get the ball rolling to get where the arc need to be. Ive had enough of everyone else fannying around them in the hope of amicable resolution, Tesco simply dont want it that way. How many times can they be told 'no store' for them still to be taking the piss? There can be no co-operation, the goals of the two parties are diametrically opposed.

Interesting development regarding -----Tesco

Tesco offer arc Vaux deal

Tesco offer to arc

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date:
22 September 2008
By Kevin Clark
Supermarket giant Tesco wants to develop the Vaux brewery site alongside rival Sunderland arc, the Echo can reveal.
The arc launched its search for a development partner for the Vaux site earlier this month – even though Tesco still owns the land.

Now the supermarket chain has unexpectedly announced it is putting itself forward as the ideal choice.

Corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman, said: "We own the Vaux site and are the only developer in a position to deliver the scheme.

"Tesco has always said it will work with Sunderland arc on the Vaux site and we have already undertaken a significant amount of work on developing a viable scheme.

"No other developer can match our knowledge and experience of the site, and as we own it we are also the only company that can implement the project.

"Tesco is committed to making a significant investment into Sunderland and to the regeneration of the Vaux site.

"We look forward to working with Sunderland arc to deliver this important project for the city."

A partnership between the arc and Tesco would speed up work on the site substantially if it removed the need for the arc to secure a compulsory purchase order on the site.

Tesco's plans include a large supermarket, but with the city council's urban development plan banning large scale retail use on the site, pushing ahead would almost certainly require a public inquiry.

Tesco is the preferred operator for a supermarket which is included in plans to redevelop the Roker Retail Park - just the other side of Wearmouth Bridge - and may be more willing to give up its claim on Vaux if that scheme goes ahead.

Launching the search for a development partner earlier this month, arc chief executive David Walker said it was important to have a developer on board and ready to start work, even though Tesco still owned the land.

"We feel it's the right time because, in light of everyone's frustrations, the last thing we want to do is be in a position where we're ready to go but we've still got to find somebody to start work," he said.

"Tesco has owned the site for six years and there is still no prospect of them building a store on Vaux, given current Government policy and the planning framework for the city.

"We are not aware of Tesco developing a scheme elsewhere that has not included a large scale supermarket.

"Sunderland arc and its founder members Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast and English Partnerships, are seeking to maximise the regenerative impact of the Vaux site.

"In support of this, we are in the process of approaching developers to deliver an employment-led scheme that will create thousands of jobs and transform the economics of the city centre."

I'm intrigued , because as I understand Tescos can't build a large store on Vaux site because of the current policy, and I can't see Tesco withdrawing their prefer ed plan including a huge store, -----so whats their game, curious

pityacker

September 22nd, 2008, 11:57 PM

Piece from today's guardian below. I would be interested in hearing peoples response to it and in particular to see how in light of recent events regarding the labour council's backward approach to the iconic bridge, how they feel tory representation would effect regeneration in Sunderland.

Personally speaking I never thought I would see the day that this would be feasible given the devastating aftermath of the previous tory government, and would certainly not be first in line to vote for them. However, I have a suspicion that purely for the development of the city, a change now might have a beneficial effect. Especially, given the fact that sunderland would be under the microscope after being highlighted in the recent Tory thinktank report that Cameron was so quick to distance himself from. Its a long read but raises some interesting points.

Forget the history and the investment. Even Sunderland is tempted by Tories
Memories of Thatcher are receding here in the north-east, and the idea of a spectacular Labour defeat is all too plausibleAll comments (119)
Madeleine Bunting The Guardian, Monday September 22 2008 Article historyThe idea of a Conservative MP in Sunderland has been an outlandish notion for most of the past 40 years. It is the most solid of Labour cities in a region that has been loyal at every parliamentary election: in the whole of the north-east, there is only one Conservative MP, in the picturesque rural constituency of Hexham. Surely Sunderland, of all places, will hold out against the appeal of David Cameron's Tories?

The only way to find out was to go and find out how the speculation on the future of Gordon Brown's government and the country's financial system reverberates there. In the autumn sunshine, there is plenty of evidence of how loyal the Labour government has been to Sunderland. Ten years of public investment have brought new schools, health centres, children's centres, business parks and housing developments in every part of the city. Plenty more is in the pipeline, with a school due to be rebuilt every year over the next 14 years and huge sums announced recently by Hazel Blears for more regeneration.

Hazel Blears: 'We have never won an election with just our core vote'
Link to this audio But patience, loyalty and gratitude are virtues that seem to carry little political weight, and Sunderland Central - the boundaries have been redrawn to create a new seat - could prove to be a spectacular Tory gain at the next election. Likely to be the first seat to declare on election night (it's a point of local pride), the seat could ring the death knell for Labour. A Tory win would signal the sort of dramatic Tory revival projected by polls such as that in the Observer yesterday: if the Tories can win in Sunderland, they can win almost anywhere. The Electoral Calculus website already puts the seat as a Tory gain, one of the tightest marginals in the country. So how on earth does a place like Sunderland get tempted by Toryism, and what shortcomings does it reveal in Labour?

The first surprise is that history carries less weight than one might imagine. The Ryhope ward in Sunderland is a former pit village but it went Conservative on a very tight margin last May in the local elections, to everyone's astonishment. Its councillor, Christopher Fairs, was 19 when the Tories lost in 1997, and he argues that the history of pit closures and the devastation under Thatcher has become a distant memory to enough younger voters. Even those old enough to remember high levels of unemployment don't always regard it as a reason to determine their vote; as one former Labour voter puts it, there have been plenty of job losses under Labour as well. The decline of Sunderland's manufacturing base is no longer a crime that can be laid solely at the Conservatives' door. Labour's own mantras about the pace of global change have succeeded in exonerating Thatcherism.

When Labour conjures up the past as a method of attack in Sunderland on the Tories, it does so at its peril. Harking back to the past doesn't generate confidence that it is a party with ideas about the future. One can understand why Labour is tempted to do so - it was a very successful Tory scare tactic against Labour in 1987 and 1992 - but it's not going to work the other way round. And if the history is not of much interest, it follows that discussions about whether Cameron has or has not changed the Conservative party are irrelevant. The Tory voter in Sunderland who acknowledges that the minimum wage has been a success sees it as no reason to vote for Labour, given that the Tories have come round to the idea. It's not fair - but then politics doesn't work on fairness.

The second surprise is how little credit Labour gets for the massive state investment in a place like Sunderland. Chris Mullin, the much-respected Labour MP whose constituency is now mostly covered by the new seat, is retiring. He admits to being more than a little baffled by what he calls a "disconnect". He was canvassing on an estate that had been transformed by a big regeneration scheme. At the doorstep of a brand new house, a woman told him: "I'm not voting, you've done nothing for us." Mullin was left speechless as she slammed the door. He defends the huge sums as essential to begin to repair the social damage of a "lost generation" who grew up unemployed, and he admits it's a long-term project that needs probably a generation to succeed.

But the Tories can make an appeal to those sections of the working class who don't see this as a matter of patience and see Labour as having been far too generous to the undeserving. They pride themselves on their hard work and deeply resent their taxes funding a benefit system which they argue is being used as a lifestyle choice rather than a reciprocal commitment to a shared safety net. A former Sunderland Labour voter who plans to vote Tory for the first time talks of seeing the same people on benefit in the betting shop for over a decade: how come they have disposable income for a flutter? The same sentiment feeds into the deeply held anxiety over immigration; "foreigners" coming to live off "our" taxes. This is expressed as often by Labour voters as Tories, despite the fact that Sunderland's immigrant population is small.

Meanwhile, there's a long litany of complaints about Labour's record, from the botched abolition of the 10p tax rate (which affects an area like Sunderland with a below-average per capita income particularly badly) to the perceived squandering of money on schemes such as teaching single parents to cook. Sunderland's model of inner-city regeneration - fancy apartments, marina and coffee shops - looks fragile in the current economic climate, and critics say it never had much to offer anyway to those estates round the city where 40% of children are born to single parents and rates of incapacity benefit remain stubbornly high.

The appeal of Toryism to working-class voters has often baffled people on the left - they don't see it coming until it's too late, as in 1979. A comparable shift seems to be under way now, and the only question is how deep will be the inroads into Labour heartlands. It takes only a small number of Tory votes and a lot of disillusioned Labour voters who don't bother to turn out to make a seat like Sunderland Central Tory.

Gordon Brown's pollster, Deborah Mattinson, seems right that people are not entirely persuaded by Cameron, but that should be no comfort. They don't need to be. This political shift is not about the appeal of an individual leader but about a set of sentiments of which Labour has failed to give an adequate account: individual self-reliance, responsibility, family values and community. It may sound like apple pie, and Labour wouldn't disagree with much of it. Nor does it stack up into a coherent credible set of policies, but on the doorstep that's not how voters judge politicians - they're not policy wonks. Successful politics is ensuring that the voter hears, through the clutter of modern media, a set of symbolic messages. Cameron, for instance, may never implement tax breaks for marriage, but suggesting them has enabled him to position himself as a politician who backs the family. That's how you get the oddest of political outcomes - a Sunderland Tory who feels this Eton-educated southerner is speaking his language.

denm

September 23rd, 2008, 03:35 PM

It's a interesting and and well written article, --- I think many people will understand what the writer is saying ------ and I'm sorry to say this but it seems to me that most people I speak with are -- either --fed up, -- turned off, --or --disillusioned with Labour whether it's councilors or the party itself, -- and I think that any Labour Councilor or indeed Labour Candidate should take heed and listen to what the people are actually saying, if not then as the article has suggested next time could be a disaster for the Labour party. -- ---- as for the new bridge, well it's the Tory Councilors who are making all the right noises and claim that the £20 million short fall for the iconic bridge can be made up and used from a Council reserve fund of £ 60 million ---this would be an alternative to the Labours plan of putting up council taxes, ---- surely sense will prevail.

As for the Tescos plan for Vaux, --- your right marra, and I've said it before, ----they are posturing, their lawyers are playing the game, ----it shouldn't be to long before they get planning permission for the Sunderland Retail Park --and then hopefully the arc and developers can get onto the Vaux site, --fingers crossed :lol:

tann66

September 24th, 2008, 05:15 PM

at the stadium of light today its the official launch by arc of the development oppotunity for the vaux site, I wonder how many major developers will be interested in this prestigious site, hopefully not tescos, but it would be great if they get the sunderland retail park, I think it will be a ideal area for them.

denm

September 26th, 2008, 11:36 AM

Here you are Tann, -- taken from todays Echo, -----80 developers very interested

Niall Quinn's Vaux investment pledge

Naill Quinn talking to possible developers for the former Vaux brewery site.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date:
26 September 2008
By Kevin Clark
Niall Quinn has sent out a message to potential developers of the Vaux site saying: "We'll invest if you invest."

The Sunderland AFC chairman Niall Quinn vowed to put his money where his mouth is at a packed meeting about the vacant Vaux brewery site.

More than 80 potential investors visited the Stadium of Light to hear some of the city's leading figures explain why they should take a crucial stake in Sunderland and help transform the former brewery site.

Regeneration company Sunderland arc and its partners Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast and English Partnerships, launched their search for a development partner at the event.

Council leader, Councillor Paul Watson, introduced the scheme by telling developers that there was a political will behind the arc's proposals for Vaux and other speakers included arc chief executive David Walker, property development manager Michael Black and city head of strategic economic development, Vince Taylor.

Niall Quinn told the meeting the football club planned to build on its success.

"Vaux is a perfect opportunity to climb aboard a city that's really raring to go and to turn a city by name into a city by reality," he said.

"We are very happy with our investment in Sunderland. We'll invest if you invest and I feel confident that the will is out there.

"This proposal for a new business district on Vaux will incorporate the very heart of the city and it is time for this to happen now.

"There is a passion and emotion required to make it work and we will be with you all the way, and the same mood is there from all the stakeholders.

"A lot of people have been wondering for a long time just what is going to happen on Vaux – now is the time to lift the tape up.

"Please join in this great spirit and let's all grow together. "
Speaking after the event, David Walker said all the partners were very encouraged by the level of interest.

He added: "Vaux offers a rare opportunity for developers to really transform the way the city will earn its living in the future.

"They can see the long-term potential of being involved in a project that goes beyond the current difficult economic climate.

"The reason we have been so determined to secure the Vaux site is to make sure we maximise the economic benefits for the city.

"If this is not achieved then we will struggle to get the maximum investment in other sectors of the city, such as hotels and leisure opportunities, and Sunderland will again be compromised."

The full article contains 436 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 26 September

Good on yer Niall ---:cheers:

sterock85

September 26th, 2008, 04:05 PM

You gotta love Niall Quinn!

Good to see someone in the spotlight so passionate about the development of the city.

denm

September 26th, 2008, 04:41 PM

You gotta love Niall Quinn!

Good to see someone in the spotlight so passionate about the development of the city.

Totally agree marra, ------ if only there were more of his ilke eh! ----- anyway, seems like things are on the move with the Vaux site --at last, ---we might even find out who a prefered developer will be in a few months.

Andrew

September 26th, 2008, 07:19 PM

I had a free day last week and took the metro to Sunderland to see how it was all looking. Personally I think it's looking pretty good, and there is a heck of a lot of potential there. The Echo24 appartments are a real monolith, possibly a little too much bulk there, but they are a reasonable design so fair enough.
Shame though that St Peters Wharf has been delayed and only one phase got built, I hope a revised scheme gets going there soon. I liked the old designs:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/stpeters.jpg

sterock85

September 26th, 2008, 09:39 PM

denm

September 27th, 2008, 11:51 AM

This was the article from the Echo a few months ago regarding change of plans for St Peters Wharf / Bonnersfield. ----

£80m riverside vision revealed - VIDEO

Video
Click 'play' to watch a virtual video of how the new development would change the face of Sunderland's riversideHow the £80m riverside development could look.

« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 05 March 2008
This is the first image of how Sunderland's new £80million riverside hotel complex could look.
As well as a 160-bed three-to-four-star hotel, the site at St Peter's Wharf will include apartments and accommodation for up to 300 students.

"We're really excited by the architecture," said Brian Ham of the Metnor Group, which is undertaking the scheme with developer Akenside.

"We were thrilled with what they came up with."

As well as a hotel and student flats, the three-building complex will have 135 river-facing apartments, 135 key-worker apartments, conference facilities, a cafe bar, a small shop and office space.

There will also be improved public access with new steps down to the river and a new tunnel under Wearmouth Bridge to provide access for cyclists and pedestrians to St Peter's Metro Station.

The scheme, which replaces a previous plan to build purely Manhattan-style apartments, has been hailed as a major piece in the jigsaw to revitalise the north side of the river.

After public consultation, a planning application is expected to be submitted to Sunderland Council next month, with building likely to start before Christmas.

The project should take about two-and-a-half-years to complete.
Mick Thurlbeck, chairman of the Sunderland committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's an excellent idea. The city definitely needs a hotel, anybody can tell you that.

"And it's good to see somebody has taken an interest without hanging around waiting for the Vaux site to become available.

"Now that somebody has put their stake in the ground to build a hotel, maybe some of the big boys might come and build in the city."

Although he questioned the need for 200 more apartments in Sunderland, Mr Thurlbeck said the development would be another step towards regenerating the riverside.

"These things are long-term projects," he said.

"I can remember Newcastle Quayside undertaking development in the 1980s. People seem to think that was built overnight."

People will be able to see the developers' preferred proposal, as well as other schemes considered, and leave comments on the scheme at two public exhibitions.

The first will take place tomorrow, from 3pm to 8pm at the National Glass Centre, with the second between the same times at Monkwearmouth Library on Friday.

The full article contains 390 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Page 1 of 1

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MackemLad

September 28th, 2008, 02:05 PM

The new bowling alley at Sunniside opens November 8th. You can book now on www.tenpin.co.uk

Talisker

September 28th, 2008, 07:03 PM

So did they submit an application for st.peter's wharf then? I haven't been able to find anything.

denm

September 29th, 2008, 04:00 PM

So did they submit an application for st.peter's wharf then? I haven't been able to find anything.

Don't know Talisker, --- I've had no luck trying to find out if a application was submitted, ------ haven't even heard any news about the proposed development, ---wonder if any of the lads has any information.

denm

September 29th, 2008, 04:24 PM

The new bowling alley at Sunniside opens November 8th. You can book now on www.tenpin.co.uk

Good news, my grand bairns will be over the moon ---they've been asking when it will be open for months, ----- further good news --- because the present bowling alley next to the retail park will close -- and we should then here more about when the Tescos plan for the Sunderland Retail Park will get the go ahead, --- hopefully in the next month or so.

mackcob

September 29th, 2008, 09:41 PM

Don't know Talisker, --- I've had no luck trying to find out if a application was submitted, ------ haven't even heard any news about the proposed development, ---wonder if any of the lads has any information.

Here are the planning application numbers for both St Peters 08/01368/OUT and Sunderland Retail Park 08/03336/OUT both can be viewed from the planning site http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

tann66

September 30th, 2008, 11:10 AM

Here are the planning application numbers for both St Peters 08/01368/OUT and Sunderland Retail Park 08/03336/OUT both can be viewed from the planning site http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

tried but can't get on that site mackcob, and like the other lads I tried the sunderland council sites but it just keeps saying theres an error, I will keep trying though.

durham_born

September 30th, 2008, 12:40 PM

A CONSERVATIVE Government would create a London-style elected mayor for Tyne and Wear with powers to deal with health, police and transport problems.

A report on the future of local Government has set the Tories on a path which will see one politician responsible for council services covering more than one million people.

If David Cameron wins the next election he is likely to take on board a recommendation to set up a series of “city region” mayors across the UK and hand over a level of power not seen outside London.

Under the present Government only the capital’s mayor is trusted with city-wide powers, a move many argue has been holding back growth for years.

But the bold plans put forward by David Curry MP have been roundly criticised in both Tyneside and Wearside, as city leaders warn of a “democratic deficit” in the “unworkable” plans.

North Tyneside’s elected mayor John Harrison last night said: “Once again the Tories have come up with a plan hatched in London and proposed for the North East.

“Elected mayors work where people want them. The people of North Tyneside wanted an elected mayor.

“This policy is a slap in the face for the mayoral candidates in North Tyneside whose job would be scrapped under this scheme.”

The report was put together by a team of experts known as the localism policy group, including Whitehall’s former director of local Government and have been billed as “a radical change to the way Britain is governed”.

But Newcastle Council Leader John Shipley was not one of those welcoming the findings.

He said: “This will be virtually impossible to implement and operate in an area such as Tyne and Wear.

“We have strong separate identities here, Sunderland is, of course, very different from Newcastle.

“A mayor covering several different areas works in London because there is a clear entity there which people identify with.

“But here we risk centralising power in one person and one office and that is not good for democracy.”

Mr Shipley said the five councils already work together on many issues and would welcome the chance of extra powers, but not in the single leader model favoured by the Tories.

Sunderland’s Conservative group leader Lee Martin has backed city regions but said he believes Sunderland would lose out if it was linked to Newcastle.

“I think it is an entirely daft idea, and there is a big risk that Sunderland would lose out to Newcastle, which the regional development agency has effectively made the capital of the North East.

“Wearside often watches as Tyneside benefits to Sunderland’s detriment and I think setting out a city region mayor would see this problem worsen.”

Eric Pickles, the Conservative’s shadow local government minister, is expected to announce this week a green paper on council changes which will include aspects of the report.

The announcement comes just days after leading local government expert Chris told Labour MPs “there is an argument for a Northern governor so we can finally give the Northern regions the attention they deserve”.

At the Labour Party conference Mr , director of influential think tank the New Local Government Network, said the North of England was “almost the last colony of the empire, controlled by far away London-based civil servants”.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We welcome David Curry's contribution to the policy process.”

:bash:Well done "Dave" you have just blown any chance of the Tories making any further gains in Sunderland:ohno:

denm

September 30th, 2008, 12:48 PM

Here are the planning application numbers for both St Peters 08/01368/OUT and Sunderland Retail Park 08/03336/OUT both can be viewed from the planning site http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx

Welcome to the site --mackcob, ----thanks for the information, I've tried the site a few times but there's an error, --but like tann I'll keep trying, ---- keep posting marra :cheers:

denm

September 30th, 2008, 01:00 PM