The Development
Timeline
Riverside Sunderland is transforming at pace, with developments rising from the ground and opening their doors month after month. Sunderland is increasingly being recognised as one of the fastest-changing cities in the UK, and a place to be.
When complete, Riverside Sunderland will be home to:
1,000
new sustainable homes
2,500
residents
1m sq ft
of office space
up to 10,000
employees
Keel Square
The development of this stunning public square, that includes water fountains, feature lighting and seating kicked off a wider programme of regeneration around the city’s riverside.
The Beam
The statement project of the redevelopment of the former Vaux Brewery site, The Beam opened its doors in 2019 and is now the workplace of hundreds of people, including a team from Ocado Retail.
High Street West
A row of Georgian merchants’ houses in Sunderland’s High Street West were stunningly restored and are now home to quirky independents that are reviving the Sunniside area of Sunderland.
City Hall
Sunderland’s new City Hall – named Best of the Best UK office at the BCO Awards in 2022 – opened its doors in 2021, bringing key public support services together under one roof and is now home to the City Council, the DWP, Sunderland College and Gentoo.
The Fire Station
Since opening in December 2021, the £11m Fire Station has hosted a whole range of big names, from musicians to dance acts, comedians and theatrical acts.
Holiday Inn
The 120-bed Holiday Inn at Keel Square opened in December 2022, providing accommodation for thousands of business and leisure visitors each year.
The Yard
The former Gilbridge Police Station has benefitted from a £3.5m redevelopment to provide brand-new refurbished office space. It has already attracted a diverse business community.
Riverside MSCP
A distinctive and award-winning £14m multi-storey car park, with 657 spaces as well as electric vehicle charging facilities, feature living walls and a stunning illuminated design, has opened its doors at Riverside Sunderland.
Sunderland Train Station
The southern entrance of the main train station has undergone a £27m transformation, part of a wider £100m vision for a four-track, four-platform hub that is befitting of a city with Sunderland’s ambition.
The Botanist and Keel Tavern
Award-winning bar and restaurant brand The Botanist and Vaulkard Group have both opened brand-new city centre venues on the ground floor of the new Holiday Inn at Keel Square.
Elephant Tea Rooms
Originally constructed at the height of Victorian wealth, the Tea Rooms have undergone restoration, including the addition of striking new shop fronts and the reinstatement of lost decoration and features.
Sheepfold Stables
The derelict Grade II listed railway stables opposite the Stadium of Light have been transformed into a £2m spectacular leisure and events destination comprising bars, restaurants and live performance spaces.
HICSA
The Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy will train and upskill the housebuilders of the future. It will equip young people with the skills they need to lead the UK’s drive towards modern methods of construction and advanced manufacturing.
Maker and Faber
A £100m investment from Legal & General will see thousands of jobs created in the city centre through the development of two Grade A sustainable offices on the former Vaux Brewery site overlooking the River Wear. The buildings opened in 2025.
Keel Crossing
A new footbridge over the River Wear is increasing connectivity between the city centre and the Sheepfolds.
Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital
Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital at Riverside Sunderland, one of the few specialist centres for ophthalmology.
Culture House
Culture House, a multi-purpose cultural venue packed with features and a year-round programme of activities.
Under construction
Riverside Park Phase 1
This rugged and naturally beautiful part of the city is being brought back to life to offer significant wellbeing and recreational benefits for the local community. This green, ecology-rich and biodiversity ‘hot-spot’ overlooking the Wear includes a network of walking and cycle trails, riverside paths and open parkland for social and recreational activities.
Vaux Housing
Work on the first phase of 1,000 homes that will eventually stand across the Riverside Sunderland site is now underway, with 135 ultra-modern homes set to be built.
Sheepfolds Residential
The area is being completely revived and reimagined to include large-scale residential, commercial, mixed use and green space developments, and will be connected to the city centre by a new footbridge with pedestrian and cyclist crossing.