Sunderland triggers contractor search
The city council has rubber-stamped the procurement of a contractor to deliver a package of infrastructure improvements in Sheepfolds, a key area in the Riverside Sunderland regeneration masterplan.
The works will include linkages from the new Wear footbridge, road and path improvements, cycle routes and much improved public realm, and will underpin further development of the Sheepfolds area, which is close to the Stadium of Light and recently-opened leisure destination Sheepfolds Stables.
Sunderland City Council issued an invitation to tender for the works on 20 September and responses are due to be returned by 30 October, with a planned contract award date of 11 November. The works are being procured through a NEPO civils lot covering projects of between £5m and £10m.
Design work commenced in April and the detailed design of the project is now complete, meaning ground can be broken as soon as contracts have been exchanged.
There is a keenness to expedite works, so that the first phase is completed by the time of a high-profile event in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in summer 2025.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, said: “Sheepfolds is at the beating heart of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, so we are delighted that councillors of all persuasions have unanimously backed our plans to push on with its redevelopment.
“By moving swiftly to appoint a contractor, we are giving ourselves the best possible chance to ensure that, by the time the Women’s Rugby World Cup arrives on Wearside next summer, residents and visitors alike will benefit from significantly improved pedestrian flow, making match days, concerts, and events a lot more enjoyable.
“Once complete, the footbridge could really become our own Wembley Way, creating a unique experience for fans visiting the stadium. It will really be a sight to behold.”
New homes and improved streets are plotted for approaches to the Stadium of Light. Credit: via Creo
Several major developments have already started in the area, with the bridge sections now arrived from Belgium, and work begun on the Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy, where completion is inked in for summer 2025.
A programme of demolition is unlocking future residential development land, with the procurement of a residential developer under way, with an appointment due in early 2025.
Cllr Johnston added: “Revitalised public spaces and improved roads will also play a key role in helping us encourage prospective investors and developers, residents and businesses to relocate to Riverside Sunderland, as we continue to push on with the wider redevelopment of the historic site.”
The first main phases are the priority for now. As a whole, the public realm project is broken into phases as follows:
- Sheepfolds West phase one and Sheepfolds Bridge: the first phase of infrastructure to be delivered on Sheepfolds with a target completion date of August 2025.
- Sheepfolds West phase two: it is expected that these works will be delivered once the adjacent residential development has been completed
- Sheepfolds West phase one extension: subject to securing appropriate funding, it is anticipated that this element of the infrastructure and public realm will start in autumn 2025
- Sheepfolds East: delivery of this piece of infrastructure will need to be carefully coordinated with the construction of the Sheepfolds Mobility Hub and the first phase residential development, between Hay Street and the railway line
- Hay Street: this will be the last element of infrastructure work to be delivered once the residential development of Sheepfolds is substantially complete and the new road network is in place.
