Almscliffe Dhesi off the mark in Sunderland and Peterlee
The developer has triggered demolition at the former Farringdon Road police station, to be replaced by a £10m retail park, and started on site with a further retail project in Peterlee.
The company was granted planning permission in June last year for the Farringdon Road scheme.
Once complete, the development will see it transformed into a retail hub comprising a B&M, Costa drive-thru, Greggs, Marie Curie, Westway Vets and a tanning salon, with a 110-strong car park with EV charge points and bike parking.
An improved access to the site will be created from Durham Lane close to the A690 roundabout.
Bal Singh, a director of Almscliffe, said: “It fills me with great pride to finally see work beginning on the demolition of the site.
“Having worked with Cllr Tye on this project for over five years, it has been a real labour of love for both of us as we’re both incredibly proud of the area and our city.
“Once complete, it will add real value to the community, creating over 100 jobs for local people and providing a significant boost to the local economy. It’s amazing to see it finally getting underway and we are hoping that contractors will be on site by April with it hopefully being fully occupational by spring 2025.”
Cllr Phil Tye, Labour councillor for Silksworth Ward, sad: “As someone who was born and raised in Silksworth, I am absolutely thrilled to be standing here today as work finally begins on the demolition of the site.
“This building has been nothing but a blight on our community since it closed its doors eight years ago, so it’s been great working with Bal, who shares our vision of once again making this a key pillar of the community, to breathe new life into the site.”
ADG is also set to transform the disused and derelict Vauxhall dealership off Passfield Way into a new local convenience retail cluster.
High-profile tenants already signed up for the 13,027 sq ft development include national retailers Sainsbury’s, Tanning Shop, Cooplands and Dominos, together with CVS Vets and EVC Electric Vehicle Chargers. Only one 1,250 sq ft unit remains available to lease.
Neil Creeney, who owns and runs ADG with Singh, explained: “It is tremendous news that work has now started on site. All being well, this high-quality retail development will be completed by August, making shopping much more convenient for local residents.”
Sainsbury’s will anchor the Peterlee scheme. Credit: via Robert Beaumont
