DWP signs at Faber
The government agency is taking 55,000 sq ft and three out of five floors at the L&G-backed Riverside Sunderland office development.
The Department for Work and Pensions will relocate its team from Wear View House from April 2027, signing a long lease on the building which completed last year.
Faber’s sister building Maker, located right next door, has already secured a lease agreement with online food order and delivery platform Just Eat for 18,000 sq ft, who moved in last December.
The Maker & Faber buildings sit behind the council’s home on Plater Way, at the heart of the city’s regeneration scheme, which is being led by the council and is set to deliver 1m sq ft of office space in Sunderland city centre.
Designed by Ryder, the buildings are the only speculative grade A office development on the market in the region at this time. As of April last year, the two towers had delivered 157,000 sq ft of grade A space into a sparsely populated market, making up a large chunk of the 350,000 sq ft of newly built office space available in the UK outside of London.
Fit out is already underway to prepare Faber for the arrival of DWP staff. The office will be used by back-office staff, so will not be open to the public to access services.
Development manager Landid oversaw the design and construction of the buildings on behalf of investor L&G, and form part of a £100m commitment L&G made to Riverside Sunderland.
Mike Coplowe, head of commercial development and regeneration at L&G, said: “DWP’s move to the Faber office in Sunderland, alongside their recent move into our West Bar office in Sheffield, reflects the increasing importance of regional centres in supporting jobs and economic activity.
“Our multi-million investment in Sunderland is part of that broader commitment, backing the North East’s role in driving sustainable growth by attracting major employers, supporting high-quality development, and helping to create long-term opportunities for local communities and businesses across the region.”
Cllr James Jackson, cabinet member for business, housing, and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “DWP’s move to Faber demonstrates clearly that the high-quality office environments we’re creating at Riverside Sunderland are a huge draw for businesses seeking grade A workspace at the heart of this transforming part of the city.
“A well-populated city centre, with housing and workspace drawing people in by day and night, will provide a boost to surrounding businesses, which in turn makes it a more attractive place for new investment, so developments like this are an important step forward in realising our vision.”
James Silver, managing director at Landid, said: “We’re delighted to welcome DWP to Faber. This is a significant commitment that will sustain employment in the heart of Sunderland.
“Maker and Faber occupy a prime position, with incredible views over the river and out to sea, and fantastic places to enjoy right on the doorstep – from bars and restaurants to riverside parkland. It’s unsurprising that they’re proving attractive to occupiers.”
