A renowned architecture studio tasked with ‘radically overhauling’ London’s Grosvenor Square has unveiled its bright ideas for Riverside Sunderland.
Tonkin Liu, which was co-founded by award-winning architects Anna Liu and Mike Tonkin, has been commissioned to produce an illuminated piece of art which will light up the Sunderland sky.
The artwork will be displayed along the side of the city’s newest multi-storey car park, which is currently under construction as part of the development of Riverside Sunderland.
The Sundersea, Sunderland display – inspired by the city’s rich maritime heritage – will see the new facility, on the edge of Farringdon Row, light up, with the impressive installation replicating a wave effect and bringing a dramatic twist to the city skyline.
Tonkin Liu’s impressive portfolio of projects also includes infrastructure and artistic commissions such as the £1.4 billion Tokyo Forum, the Cradle Towers of Zhengzhou, Manchester’s Tower of Light, the York Minster Centre of Excellence and the Paddington Willow Pavilion in London.
Anna Liu, director at Tonkin Liu, said: “Sunderland is all about the sea and we are delighted to see this important project nearing fruition.
“Like creatures in the sea, the comings and goings of the moving cars’ headlights and taillights will animate the 2-dimensional artwork with a dynamic three-dimensionality.
“The concept has built on the heritage of Sunderland’s affinity with the sea, being once the world’s largest shipbuilding centre. This is an affinity rekindled by the city's current role as a major gateway to offshore wind farms, shaping Sunderland's green future.”
The lighting programmer can also be altered for different occasions, with pre-set coloured displays for everything from Christmas to Pride, as well as lighting up in red and white when SAFC matches are taking place across the river at the Stadium of Light.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is a city of light, and our ability to illuminate buildings and places – from Keel Square to Penshaw Monument – allows us to participate in a range of occasions and events in an often really poignant way, as well as celebrating the things we are most proud of like our football club.
“We could have developed a plain and uninspiring car park, but this city deserves the best. We’re ambitious for Riverside Sunderland, and we want to ensure that every development we deliver on this site is of the highest quality, enhances the area and raises the bar in the city.”
Groundwork to prepare the area started in November, with construction partner Sir Robert McAlpine and car park specialist Goldbeck working on the main structure of the MSCP, which will deliver 650 parking spaces on the edge of the city centre.
The light installation bringing the artwork to life has been designed by International Lighting Architects, SEAM Design. It will adorn the side of the £14m car park, which is taking shape on the edge of the Riverside Sunderland site.
It is expected that the MSCP will support the increased number of visitors to the city centre. Some 10,000 new jobs are expected to be created at Riverside Sunderland, with 1,000 new homes also set to be built and a range of new leisure developments including a 10,000 seat arena, Culture House – a new interactive, immersive library – and Sheepfolds, an exciting food and drink venue on the edge of Stadium Park, as well as a new Eye Hospital, replacing Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
Cllr Miller added: “We’re building the infrastructure now that the city will need as Riverside Sunderland is reimagined. With so many developments taking shape, new places to eat, drink and have fun, and office spaces that will welcome many thousands of people, it is important that we have the facilities to support our transforming city centre to realise its vast potential.”
Provision of the car park capacity should reduce pressure on other city centre parking such as St Mary’s MSCP. It is expected the car park will operate outside of normal working hours, to support the evening economy in the city centre, and will operate through a combination of pre-paid permits and paid parking.
It’s position on the edge of the city centre, linked by the Strategic Transport Corridor to Sunderland communities, will also help reduce congestion in the heart of the city, and by consolidating parking in one large facility, the MSCP should help to achieve a pedestrian-priority for Riverside Sunderland.
For the latest developments from Riverside Sunderland, visit www.riversidesunderland.com.