Sunderland seafront transformation into ‘truly special’ leisure destination moves forward

Plans to breathe new life into Sunderland’s seafront took a step forward this week after securing outline permission from the city council.

Regeneration firm Siglion, the company behind the application, is hoping to transform Seaburn into a mixed-use family seaside destination.

With the greenlight Sunderland City Council in place, Siglion will now create a more detailed proposal that sets out specific details of what the development will include.

The outline plan set out areas of Seaburn that are earmarked for leisure and others for housing.

A masterplan building upon the outline will now be established, while the scheme will be marketed to retail and leisure operators.

Siglion chief exec John Seager said the business’ vision is to create a seafront with a unique offer, establishing it as an attractive destination to boost the city’s economy.

John commented: “Seaburn is a really special place, with stunning natural assets and we want to maximise those, with a development that will establish it as a genuine leisure destination.

“We are delighted to be able to move forward with our plans, and look forward to delivering something really special that the people of Sunderland and beyond can enjoy.”

He continued: “All of the developments we deliver are focused on creating environments that promote happiness, health and wellbeing, and we are excited to start pinning down the detail before delivering a development that will capitalise on the vast potential of the seafront as a distinctive, vibrant community where people can come to enjoy, and ensure that the city can attract and retain people who have perhaps not been able to find housing to meet their needs in Sunderland.

“It’s a beautiful site and we want it to be somewhere everyone can enjoy.”

Seaburn was once a busy seaside location, but in recent years the resort has seen a decline in visitor numbers.

A landscaping project, delivered by Sunderland City Council, that runs the length of the seafront has helped create an attractive space that Siglion hopes to build upon.

Sunderland City Council Leader Cllr Paul Watson, chair of Siglion, said: “Seaburn is a truly beautiful part of our city, but one that is underutilised as a leisure destination.

“Siglion’s proposal sets the scene to create a truly special place, that will add even more shine to what is already an idyllic beauty spot, only a short distance from the city centre.”

He added: “Over the coming weeks, they will be working with local residents to help develop a vision for the area that will deliver not only for people living here, but will prove attractive to people visiting our seaside.”