More than 400 jobs could be created in plans set to breathe new life into a derelict plot of land in Sunderland.
Jomast Developments wants to transform a former glassworks site that has lain empty for 15 years into a trade park with 81,000 sq ft of industrial and warehouse space, with trade counter units, a 21,000 sq ft food store, food and drink facilities and a petrol station.
The £20m scheme to develop the site, set on five hectares of land to the north of Deptford Terrace, is being welcomed by local planning experts as a positive step in the regeneration of the old glassworks site.
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It could create or sustain 135 jobs during the initial construction phase as well as more than 300 roles once complete.
The Sunderland Core Strategy and Development Plan, adopted in January 2020, features the five hectare site within the Deptford ‘Key Employment Area’, reflecting its prominent location and links to the A19, the newly-opened Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor dual carriageway and city centre.
An impact assessment also estimates that the scheme could generate an uplift of £14.6 million in economic output per annum for the local area.
Working on behalf of Jomast, planning consultancy Lichfields is seeking the views of local people on the plans via a digital consultation, which will be live from this Wednesday, February 9, to February 25 at www.deptford-development-sunderland.com. A planning application is expected to follow later this spring.
Jonathan Wallace, senior director of Lichfields’ Newcastle office, said the plans are expected to attract interest from potential occupiers.
He said: “This is a positive development that will regenerate a key strategic location in Sunderland and bring an important site back into use. We will be consulting with local people, interested parties and stakeholders to showcase the many significant benefits the scheme will offer.
“We are seeing strong demand for commercial and industrial properties across the North East as companies look to develop their regional operations on the back of high-quality premises with excellent road links; which makes Deptford Terrace an attractive location.”
Adam Herald, Jomast’s development director, added: “This significant investment will see a big improvement for the area; creating new jobs, boosting the local economy and tapping into the potential that the new Strategic Transport Corridor is unlocking.
“We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible, which will be considered in-depth before our final plans are submitted to the planning authority.”
Founded in 1962, Lichfields offers a range of planning services including economics, heritage, sustainability, and GIS. Its clients include local authorities and government bodies, as well as developers, landowners and operators in the housing, retail, leisure, commercial, waste and recycling and infrastructure sectors.
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