Igloo to start on site at Riverside Sunderland
The sustainability-focused developer has acquired 0.74 acres of land on the former Vaux site and will build 34 city centre homes, constructed by local contractor Compass.
Work will begin later this month with completion in 2027.
Located between The Beam and the Sunderland Eye Hospital, 16 of the homes will be based on the winning designs from the Home of 2030 competition, which was led by the government with the aim of driving innovation in sustainable, affordable, and healthy homes.
The competition was managed by RIBA and the winning designs were produced by igloo and Open Studios.
+Home was designed by igloo Regeneration with Useful Projects, Expedition Engineers, and Mawson Kerr, while Connector Housing was created by Openstudio alongside Hoare Lea, LDA Design, and Gardiner & Theobald.
The designs will be used on the former Vaux site, with the housing mix made up of two- and three-bed apartments, terraced townhouses, and maisonettes.
Construction will complement the apartment blocks being delivered at the northern edge of the former Vaux site by Building Design, as well as Placefirst’s 165 homes on Farringdon Row, which is expected to commence in the next few weeks.
In total, there will be 133 homes on the former Vaux plot, as well as commercial office space and leisure facilities, while the wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan aims to double the amount of people living in the city centre from 2,500 to 5,000.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration, and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “City centre living in Sunderland is transforming.
“We have an abundance of leisure provision on the doorstep – from Sheepfolds Stables to the Botanist, and with Riverside Park taking shape, Culture House closing in on completion, and the wider city centre changing rapidly with places like Omniplex, the Fire Station, Flower Café, and Mackies Corner among the places that are breathing new life into the high street.
“There could not be a better time to see more homes being built for people who want to enjoy the benefits of urban life in a stunning riverside location.”
Joe Broadley, development director from igloo, said: “This development will not only meet the needs of modern city living but also follow the igloo ethos of setting new benchmarks for sustainability, innovation and community connections.
“Thanks to Sunderland City Council and our partners for collaborating with us to deliver a vibrant new community that will help shape the future of the wider Sunderland area.
“Together we’re proud to be part of the regeneration of the former Vaux site and look forward to seeing this new neighbourhood grow into a place where people can truly thrive.”
