Green light recommended for next phase of Riverside Sunderland
The council’s revised plans to demolish 38 industrial units and deliver a mixed-use scheme of 456 homes, 70,000 sq ft of commercial space, 9,500 sq ft of retail space, and an aparthotel beside the Stadium of Light are set to be approved.
Originally, Sunderland City Council submitted plans for up to 600 homes on brownfield land behind the South Stand, some as close as 23 metres from the stadium.
In August last year, Sunderland AFC formally objected to the plans, which owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said could have “catastrophic operational consequences” for the Premier League club.
The stadium currently has 49,000 capacity, with the club exploring a redevelopment of the South Stand. It believed the council’s plans would encroach on its territory and venture into a formerly agreed buffer zone, noting the stadium could potentially hold 63,000 people.
Following the row, the council resubmitted revised plans in February, with the main changes being a reduction in the number of housing units from 600 to 456, removing them completely from Plot 1 – the closest plot facing the stadium – and replacing that with a buffer zone, offices, and an aparthotel.
Vistry was chosen by the council to lead on the delivery of the housing, working alongside architect FaulknerBrowns and planners Fairhurst.
The scheme will be delivered in phases, with supporting infrastructure, mobility provision, and mitigation measures included as part of the proposals.
