A window into former Vaux site’s fresh start
Cllr Harry Trueman and Julie Elliot MP put the last window in place at the new building on the site of the old Vaux Brewery in Sunderland IT was once a thriving brewery employing hundreds of workers.
And now new life has been breathed into the former Vaux site in Sunderland, as a major milestone has been reached.
The final panes of glass have been fitted into the first building that will occupy the site.
The building, which will become a 60,000 sqft office block, will include a bar, cafe and restaurant.
Siglion, which is a joint venture between Carillion and Sunderland City Council, is delivering the development and it should be complete by June next year.
Harry Trueman, the deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to be standing here today, putting in place one of the final pieces of the jigsaw for this building – one of a number that will transform this important site.
“Vaux represents a truly special development proposition and one that will be extend the footprint of the city centre, contributing to a richer, more vibrant Sunderland that we all can enjoy.”
Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliot joined representatives from Siglion, Igloo, Carillion, agents Knight Frank and Naylors, and Sunderland City Council for a glazing out ceremony on Friday.
The local authority bought the site from Tesco in 2011 after the retailer purchased it and failed to build a supermarket.
The council came together with Carillion in 2014, to form Siglion – which was managed by Igloo Regeneration – in order to spur on regeneration of the site, as well as four other locations in Sunderland.
And Coun Trueman said the building would be a driver for further economic growth in the city.
The building, which was designed by architects Field Clegg Bradley Studios, stands five storeys high and looks over the city centre and Wearmouth Bridge (pictured right).
The building is heavily glazed and will soon see the outside shell fitted with bronzecoloured brise soleil.
John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “This building is a really striking one, and it is visible across the city, a symbol of the rapid rate of change that Sunderland is seeing in terms of the development of its built environment.
“We are absolutely delighted to be here to mark this significant milestone, and look forward to returning to the site in a matter of months, when the building is complete and ready to be fitted out.”