Regeneration plans revealed for £10m build at ex-police station
Multi-million pound plans to regenerate a former Sunderland police station site have been revealed.
Almscliffe Dhesi Developments (1) Ltd, part of the Almscliffe Dhesi Group, is intending to submit a planning application to redevelop the former Farringdon Hall Police Station and surrounding land off Durham Road.
The proposals will see the building, which has been empty since 2015 when it was closed by Northumbria Police, demolishedtopavethewayfor a £10million investment creating new business and retail units.
If approved, developers say the plans would create hundredsofjobswithnationalemployers,aswellasemployment created during construction and through the supply chain.
Developershaveconfirmed that several businesses have signed up to the development, including B&M Stores with a garden centre, Costa Coffee, Greggs,TheTanningShopand Westway Vets.
Aspartofthedevelopment, Almscliffe would install a car park for around 110 vehicles including accessible bays, cycleparkingandelectricvehicle charging points.
Inaddition,animprovedaccess to the site will be created fromDurhamLaneclosetothe
A690 roundabout.
Along with the benefits of thescheme,developerssaythe McDonald’s entry point will be improved to alleviate queuing traffic on North Moor Lane.
Bal Singh, director of Almscliffe, said: “As a Sunderland lad, I’ve lived close to Durham Road all my life so I’m delighted to be able to rejuvenate this partially derelict site.
“We are proud to have secured the interest of reputable brands with both national and local recognition, such as the B&M Stores, Westway Vets and Costa Coffee, which demonstrates their confidence in Sunderland.”
Councillor Phil Tye, ward memberforSilksworth,added: “I am well aware of the issues surrounding this site and regularly get calls from local residents complaining about the anti-social behaviour.
“This site has lain derelict for too long.
“The plans put forward will create an exciting opportunity fortheresidentsofSunderland andprovidemuchneededjobs for local people.
“I’ve been working with Almscliffe for some time to bring this investment to Silksworth and I’m pleased to see a planning application finally being submitted.”