A New Urban Quarter for Riverside SunderlandRiverside 22—39 46—49 4. A Closer Look at 6. Delivering Change Contents Riverside Sunderland

04—05 Foreword by Councillor Graeme Miller A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

40—45 5. Connected. Sustainable.

10—13 2. The Challenge

14—21 50—51 3. Values and Principles What Happens Next? 02—03 06—09 52 1. Our Vision and Goals Contact the Team Riverside SunderlandRiverside Foreword A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

I am delighted to introduce this document, which sets out ’s vision for the regeneration of the city centre and our ambitious plans for a new urban quarter – Riverside Sunderland.

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council

This is an exciting time for Sunderland, with in Britain in the mid-21st century, contributing investment flowing back into the city centre to our drive to become a carbon-neutral city for the first time in decades. A change is and to promote health and wellbeing. under way, and this document sets out our plans for the next 20 years, which will The City Council will put all its energy and establish Riverside Sunderland as a successful resources behind the strategy, working with business location, a popular place to live, and the private sector and other agencies to the focal point for the life of the community. achieve our goals. We will engage with the Everyone in Sunderland will benefit from new people of Sunderland, to raise awareness of jobs, new homes, new civic buildings and our plans and create a sense of excitement cultural attractions in a transformed urban and pride. We will also be there to listen and 04—05 environment. Riverside Sunderland will be understand, working with communities to a place we can all be proud of; it will set the ensure that Riverside Sunderland reflects standard for sustainable urban regeneration the needs and aspirations of all our citizens. Riverside SunderlandRiverside

1 for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter Our Vision and Goals A moment of opportunity. 06—07 Riverside SunderlandRiverside We have set ambitious goals; by 2030 the resident population of the city centre will double, from around 2,500 to 5,000, and the number of people employed in the city centre will increase by 50%, from 12,000 to 18,000. for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

2 3 Empire Theatre. Empire / 3. 1.

The Beam. / 2. Beam. The Achieving these targets will boost the daytime population of the city centre, driving up footfall and expenditure by residents, workers and visitors. This will make the city

Keel Square. Square. Keel centre a busier and more enjoyable place, helping shops, restaurants, cultural and leisure attractions to thrive.

This is a moment of opportunity for Sunderland. A wave of investment in the city centre is creating a new climate of confidence and optimism.

Riverside Sunderland will give the people 1 — Our Vision and Goals of Sunderland the city centre they want and deserve – an attractive and dynamic place where people will choose to live, work, study and spend their leisure time. The project will drive economic growth in the city and set new standards for sustainable development, promoting health and wellbeing and social inclusion. It will provide quality jobs and great homes for the people of Sunderland, and help to attract skilled workers, students and visitors. 08—09 It will be an outstanding new business location, offering firms access to the talent and skills of people in Sunderland and the north east. 1 Riverside SunderlandRiverside

2 for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter The Challenge Revitalising the city centre. 10—11 the four urban quarters. urban four the 1. SunderlandRiverside Sunderland centre: city City centres play a vital role N in the modern economy. The UK’s best city centres offer a rich mix of skilled jobs, quality shopping, food and drink, centres

of learning and research, cultural for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter and heritage attractions and an attractive choice of housing.

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City centres are the natural habitat for 1 Riverside Sunderland, which includes the high-performance businesses, a magnet site of the former Vaux Brewery and spans the for investment and a source of pride for the , is Sunderland’s new urban quarter. whole community. It will attract people, jobs and investment, with benefits for the whole of the city. 4 Sunderland has achieved a great deal in recent decades. It leads the way in the UK for 2 and the immediately 2 the value of exports per job, and it is a major surrounding streets form the city’s prime centre for the automotive industry, producing retail pitch. The Bridges is a popular indoor a quarter of all the electric vehicles made shopping centre with on-site parking, in Europe. We are building the International and the retail vacancy rate is low. But 3 Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) on a site other shopping locations have struggled, close to the Nissan plant, and Sunderland is including historic Fawcett Street. also a leader in the software sector. But these important developments have by-passed the 3 Holmeside is a mixed-use area which city centre, which has been trapped in a cycle includes pubs and bars, independent of decline. shops, ’s City Campus and the Park Lane public transport hub. Riverside Sunderland will turn the tide by There are some successful businesses, creating an exciting new urban quarter in but parts of the area are very run-down. the heart of the city. It is a key component of our efforts to regenerate the whole city 4 Sunniside is an attractive area, centre in the next 10–20 years, focusing on originally laid out in the early 19th century. four urban quarters: Previously the home of the city’s legal, financial and professional services, in 12—13 recent years Sunniside has begun to attract creative and cultural businesses. Riverside SunderlandRiverside

3 for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter Values and Principles Shaping Riverside Sunderland. 14—15 Riverside SunderlandRiverside 2. New parks and open spaces will form part The design of Riverside Sunderland of the offer. / 3. The new City Hall. will reflect our commitment to great placemaking, quality design and local distinctiveness. We will be guided by four key principles. A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter and drama, The Auditorium will open in 2021. in open will Auditorium The drama, and 1. A major new city centre venue for music, dance dance music, for venue centre city new A major

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P1 — Environmental sustainability P3 — Social inclusion Sunderland has made a commitment to Riverside Sunderland is a place to be become a carbon-neutral city. Riverside enjoyed by all the citizens of Sunderland, Sunderland will feature energy-efficient and by visitors to the city. It will offer new buildings and a low-carbon energy net- civic and cultural amenities, parks and work; it will encourage the use of public open spaces, and a community hub will transport and electric vehicles. Tree provide a nursery school, health and 3 — Values and Principles planting and sustainable urban drainage wellbeing and other local services. will promote climate change resilience. P4 — Economic prosperity P2 — Health and wellbeing Riverside Sunderland’s new business People who live and work at Riverside district will rebalance the city economy Sunderland will enjoy the benefits of a by providing modern offices, workspace healthy lifestyle in an urban setting. An and studios for a range of businesses. extensive paths network will encourage It will encourage start-up businesses, walking and cycling throughout the site, help local firms to grow and enter new with connections to the two university markets, and attract inward investment campuses, the coast and countryside. to the city centre. 16—17 Galley’s Gill will become a fabulous landscape park and community garden. 1 Riverside SunderlandRiverside 4. A healthy lifestyle in an urban setting. / 5. Vaux Brewery, 1914. / 6. A new business district. / 7. The Engine Room. A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

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Riverside Sunderland has a proud industrial heritage. For centuries it was a centre for shipbuilding, the coal exporting trade, glassmaking, brewing and other traditional industries. But the site, which spans the river Wear, has been in a run-down state for many years. Our plans will breathe new life into a forgotten place, transform the image of the 3 — Values and Principles city centre, attract private sector investment, create new homes and jobs, and provide much-needed civic and cultural amenities.

Riverside Sunderland is the natural extension of the existing city centre, providing room for growth and the provision of new facilities which will offer benefits for the whole community. Riverside Sunderland will be an integral part of the city centre experience: a place with a purpose, a new 18—19 community and an urban quarter that the whole city can be proud of. 6

4 — A Closer Look Closer A — 4 4 A closer look at Riverside Sunderland 4.  4. 3. 2. Employment1. on four key elements based quarter urban mixed–use high–density, for a masterplan We have developed astrategic Civic and cultural buildings and Civic Homes and community life Greenspace and public space and Greenspace

22—23 Sunderland Riverside A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland for Quarter Urban New A Riverside SunderlandRiverside N Sunderland

Employment zone

Homes and community life

Civic and cultural buildings

Greenspace and public space for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

1 Sheepfolds housing

2 Farringdon Row housing

3 Employment zone

4 Galley’s Gill 1 5 Vaux housing

6 Office district

7 Sunderland 3i

8 City Hall

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8 7 3 4 — A Closer Look 24—25 Employment zone Sheepfolds housing Walking andOffice cycling district bridgeCity Hall The Beam FarringdonKeel Row Square housingVaux housingGalley’s Gill Employment zone Riverside SunderlandRiverside

N Central Business District // Working in Riverside Sunderland A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

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Sunderland city centre has an acute shortage of modern offices. Creating modern accommodation for business and professional services is an urgent priority, and there is active occupier demand.

A prestigious new occupier, Ocado, will move the CBD seven days a week, providing services into The Beam in autumn 2019, creating 300 and facilities for employees, local residents new jobs. The Beam, a stylish 60,000 square and visitors. foot building on the former Vaux Brewery site, 1 building on the former Vaux Brewery site. Vaux Brewery former the on building 1 is the first significant office development The development of the office district will 3. ­ — in the city centre for decades. It marks the first stimulate investment elsewhere in the city The Beam, a stylish 60,000 square foot foot square 60,000 stylish a Beam, The stage in the creation of a dynamic new central centre, including the restoration and reuse of business district (CBD) which when fully existing buildings such as the former Gilbridge developed will deliver 750,000 square feet Police Station. Land at Farringdon Row has of modern office space in the city centre. been allocated for up to 200,000 square 4 — A Closer Look The CBD will create 6,000 jobs by 2030, rising feet of space for life sciences and other to 8,000 by 2040. companies needing quality, customer-facing accommodation in the city centre. In the Our plans for the CBD are flexible, and the site medium-term we will bring forward proposals can accommodate businesses ranging from for the regeneration of Crowtree Square and tech start-ups to established SMEs and large High Street West. companies, in energy-efficient buildings and a high-quality business environment. Active 28—29 ground floor uses such as bars, restaurants, coffee shops, a gym and a crèche will animate 2

Riverside SunderlandRiverside 1. Riverside homes (illustrative scheme). / 2. Greenspace, allotments and a community orchard will promote health and wellbeing. N Creating a New Community // Living in Riverside Sunderland

The development of Riverside Sunderland will ensure that, for A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter the first time in decades, will offer a choice of great places to buy or rent a home and raise a family, and to enjoy a green, healthy lifestyle that cannot be matched elsewhere in the region.

We will create a residential community that The three residential neighbourhoods will each spans the river, with three neighbourhoods have a different and complementary character: linked by a new walking and cycling bridge. The riverside site offers extraordinary views 1 Vaux, on the western edge of the and a rich heritage, and it is in the heart of business district, will have an urban the city, close to shops and other amenities feel, with a high density mix of and well served by public transport. There houses, maisonettes and apartments will be a nursery school and other community overlooking Galley’s Gill and the river. facilities. Greenspace, allotments and a 2 Farringdon Row will wrap around the community orchard will promote health and west side of Galley’s Gill and along the wellbeing, and the area will be served by a riverside. With memorable views along low-carbon energy network and sustainable the river to the Wearmouth Bridge, this urban drainage. Energy efficient factory- will be an area of family housing. 1 built homes will allow for customisation, 3 Sheepfolds will occupy a south-facing site with embedded smart technology and on the north bank of the river, served by charging points for electric vehicles. St Peter’s Metro station and linked to the rest of the community by the new bridge.

When fully developed, Riverside Sunderland will provide 1,000 homes for more than 2,000 4 — A Closer Look new city centre residents. We will launch the new community in 2023 with the Sunderland Housing Expo, a high-profile event which will The riverside site showcase the first homes on the , the new bridge, the restored Galley’s Gill and offers extraordinary other Riverside Sunderland developments. views and a rich The Expo will be a powerful marketing tool, attracting regional and national interest and 32—33 heritage, and it is in showcasing the themes of green living, well- the heart of the city. being and modern methods of construction. 2 Riverside SunderlandRiverside

N Civic Life, Learning and Culture // Flagship buildings in Riverside Sunderland

4 A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

A major new city centre venue for music, dance and drama, The Auditorium will open in 2021. 1 3 Arts and Culture Trust. / 3+4. Trust. Culture and Arts The Sunderland3i project. 1 +2. ­ +2. The Auditorium, a project led by Sunderland’s Music, Music, Sunderland’s by led project a Auditorium, The A high-profile site on the north side of St Mary’s Boulevard has been earmarked for civic, heritage and educational uses.

Work will start soon on the construction of City Together, these public buildings will attract Hall, a new home for Sunderland City Council thousands of visitors to the city centre every which will also accommodate a range of public day. They will be a magnet for service users, services and community activities in an open, school parties, community groups and tourists. 4 — A Closer Look democratic space in the heart of the city. They will be complemented by The Auditorium, a project led by Sunderland’s Music, Arts and We are exploring another exciting project on Culture Trust, which will establish a major new a site next to the new City Hall. Sunderland 3i city centre venue for music, dance and drama. will be a landmark building housing the city The Auditorium will open in 2021. library, the local studies centre and a gallery telling the story of Sunderland’s riverside 34—35 industries. Sunderland 3i will look to the future, with a hands-on technology and innovation learning centre for children and young people. 2 Riverside Sunderland A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland 36—37 6

5 + 6. Sunderland’s new City Hall will open in 2021.

5 4 — A Closer Look Riverside SunderlandRiverside

N A Sense of Place // Parks and public spaces in Riverside Sunderland and cycling networks. / 3. 1. . / 2. Park. Mowbray A great place to live and visit. / 4. visit. and to live place A great A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

3 View over the river Wear. river over the View

Galley’s Gill will be the hub of a walking Walking and cycling network, connecting Riverside Sunderland to the rest of the city centre. 4

Our approach to the development of the site starts with the special character, heritage and ecology of the Riverside Sunderland site.

1 It is an exceptional setting for a new urban community growing and other activities, quarter, and the people of Sunderland and a space for events and celebrations. value its rich history and traditions. We In addition to the restoration of Galley’s Gill, have commissioned an urban design and the landscape strategy will establish a public landscape strategy to preserve and interpret realm framework for the whole of Riverside key landscape features, views and industrial Sunderland, providing an outstanding setting 4 — A Closer Look heritage. New development will be located for new office developments, civic and with care and respect for the character and cultural buildings. history of the site, protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Galley’s Gill will be the hub of a walking and cycling network which will connect Riverside We are planning for high-density urban Sunderland to the rest of the city centre, the development in a high-quality landscape two university campuses, the 38—39 framework, and we will preserve Galley’s Gill and the coast. A new walking and cycling as a unique landscape park, accessible to bridge will span the river Wear between all, a place where children can play, a site for Galley’s Gill and Sheepfolds. 2 Riverside SunderlandRiverside

5 for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter Connected. Sustainable. Site infrastructure for Riverside Sunderland. 40—41 Riverside SunderlandRiverside 4. Walking and cycling networks will link The key elements of the Riverside Riverside Sunderland to the rest of the city. Sunderland offer will be underpinned by investment in the site infrastructure. premises. premises. 1. use of public transport is to be promoted. to be is transport public of use Services include Services an energy homes network and serving commercial / 2.

The site will feature sustainable urban drainage. / drainage. urban sustainable feature will site The A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter 3.

Increased

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We face three key challenges: a complex site, We are also developing detailed proposals barriers to access and movement, and the for services including: 1 need to plan for a carbon-neutral future. — An energy network serving the whole site 5 — Connected. Sustainable. Connected. — 5 — Electric vehicle charging points We have commissioned technical studies to — Waste collection and storage better understand the condition of the site and — Sustainable urban drainage. to establish future infrastructure requirements, especially for the new residential areas. The We are developing an access and site is steep in places and work will be needed movement plan with four key objectives: to create platforms for new development. — Integrate Riverside Sunderland The condition of the cliffs, areas of made-up quarter with the wider city centre land and the riverbank will need to be surveyed — Encourage walking and cycling throughout in order to determine the extent of developable the site with links to the rest of the city land, and the need for repairs and stabilisation. — Reduce car dependency and promote the use of public transport — Provide parking for businesses and 42—43 residents while managing vehicle access to Riverside Sunderland. 2 3

Riverside SunderlandRiverside

6 for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter Delivering Change Managing and animating the city centre. 46—47 Riverside SunderlandRiverside 1. . / 2. Investing in parks Sunderland is a proud city, but we and greenspace. / 3. Sunniside. / 4. The Winter Gardens. need to improve the city centre experience, making it a more enjoyable and attractive place for everyone. A New Urban Quarter for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter

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To ensure that the ambitious plans outlined — A targeted campaign to attract inward in this document deliver the change we need, investment to the city centre and and to maintain the momentum through to increase the business start-up rate 6 — Delivering — Change 6 2040, investment in Riverside Sunderland — A place marketing strategy to will need to be matched by a commitment to raise awareness of Riverside improve the management of the city centre, Sunderland and the city centre’s offer better customer service, attract more day cultural and heritage attractions visitors and tourists, and secure investment — A year-round programme of in key sectors. We are therefore committed events and festivals to working with the Sunderland Business — A campaign to improve street cleaning, Improvement District (BID), Sunderland facelift empty shops, get to grips with Culture, the MAC Trust, the University of commercial waste collection, and tidy 48—49 Sunderland, Sunderland College and leading up back lanes and service yards local businesses to develop a city centre- — Investment in streetscape, pocket wide initiative, with key themes including: parks and planting. 2 Riverside SunderlandRiverside What happens next? This document has set out our vision for Riverside Sunderland and the wider city centre. It is the result of careful analysis, intelligence gathering and engagement with investors and developers, and it has been inspired by the for Sunderland A New Urban Quarter example of other medium-sized cities in the UK and Europe. We can learn from the achievements of Dundee, Leicester, Århus,

Malmö and many others. The vision set out here is bold and a wide range of sources. All this is challenging, but it is achievable. We part of a ‘market-making’ approach, do not underestimate the scale of which will prove demand for the the challenge, especially at a time Riverside Sunderland offer, de-risk when Sunderland City Council – investment and enable the private like every other local authority – is sector to take the lead as the level under acute financial pressure. The of public sector support tapers off. city centre’s long decline has made private sector investors risk-averse, We have consulted widely on this and intervention may be needed to vision and tested it with prospective share risk and restore confidence. investors. We have been greatly New infrastructure will be required encouraged by the response and to tackle the structural problems ­– a the growing sense of confidence car-dominated environment, physical in Sunderland. We will continue to barriers and weak connections – that engage with local communities, key contribute to market failures and partners and stakeholders. We will

What Happens Next? Happens What undermine regeneration efforts. draw on advice from Sunderland’s city leaders and other experts, learning We will continue to translate this from their experience and taking strategy into detailed, costed business inspiration from best practice in the plans. Implementing the Riverside UK and internationally. Siglion, our Sunderland strategy in full will wholly-owned development company, require an investment by the private will be the vehicle for delivering the and public sectors of around £750 Riverside Sunderland project and for million. Sunderland City Council will joint ventures with the private sector. re-prioritise its capital programme to 50—51 focus on Riverside Sunderland, and we will pursue external funding from To find out more, please contact:

E [email protected] T 07825 016671

Or visit our website: www.riversidesunderland.com in only. are this brochure indicative All descriptions, dimensions and values shown