Plans to transform an area of disused land in Sunderland into a new industrial park which could create scores of jobs have been unveiled.
Proposals for the new development at Commercial Road in Hendon have been submitted to Sunderland City Council with CGIs showing how a cluster of 19 industrial units could be created, along with a drive-through coffee shop and improvements to the surrounding area.
The £10m development is being led by Promenade Park Properties and designed by Sunderland architect and engineering practice BDN, and would potentially help create up to 150 jobs if it is given the green light. Units will range from 3,500 to 20,000 sq ft and will deliver much-needed shed space in an area that is well-established as an industrial hub.
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The site will include large industrial units, with a proportion of office space within each unit for back-office staff. Provision has also been made for an 18-space electric vehicle charging station. The units are also designed to be as energy efficient as possible and, if approved, work could start on site in spring 2024, with the first phase of units ready by the end of the year. They will be offered for sale or rent.
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Commercial Road is a busy industrial site, that is well-positioned for businesses of this kind, providing great connectivity to major roads, rail and sea given its proximity to the Port of Sunderland.
“Pockets of land that remain undeveloped, such as this one, represent an untapped opportunity to create more space for businesses to relocate to Sunderland, or indeed, for ambitious local firms to grow into. This is an important and welcome development.
“Sunderland is a transforming city, and it has much to offer all kinds of businesses. We are seeing more and more speculative developments like this underway across the city, demonstrating a high degree of investor confidence.”
