Sintons invests in Sunderland's former Vaux Brewery site redevelopment

The revival of the project to transform the former Vaux Brewery site in Sunderland through the appointment of a new construction partner has been enabled with Sintons.

The redevelopment scheme for the 5.5 hectare site - said to be Sunderland city centre’s most significant regeneration project - came to a halt earlier this year through the collapse of Carillion, which had been leading the construction work.

Despite this, through the recent appointment of Tolent as construction partner, work has now begun again, with contractors delivering the first development on site, The Beam.

Alex Rayner, partner and head of construction and engineering at Sintons, said: “The Vaux site redevelopment is a landmark project for the region, particularly in terms of the impact it will have on Sunderland City Centre by way of investment and job creation.

“The appointment of our client, Tolent, a highly-respected name in North East business, is a further boost to the region and our economy, with jobs being created as a result of securing this major contract.

“We are delighted to have been able to advise them on the agreement of the construction contract, which then allowed work on the site to recommence, and the creation of The Beam to get back on track.”

The venue will offer more than 59,000 sq ft of office and leisure space, and is expected to welcome its first tenants in early 2019.

Team Valley-based Tolent - appointed to the scheme after a tender by developer, Siglion - has recently worked on a number of other Sunderland construction projects, including the Beacon of Light, Hilton Garden Inn and the Echo Building, which also houses Siglion’s headquarters.

The business has been supported in securing the Vaux site contract by Sintons, with construction specialist Alex Rayner acting for Tolent and advising on the building contract for phase one of the redevelopment.