Full steam ahead for "iconic" Sunderland central station upgrade with £26m boost

Plans to revamp Sunderland’s central train station have progressed with a new multi-million pound cash injection.

Proposals for the southern entrance of Sunderland’s central station have been unveiled today for a six-year programme to transform the city’s arrival point.

Working in partnership with Network Rail, Nexus, Grand Central and Northern Rail, Sunderland City Council is driving the scheme, beginning with the demolition of the current south entrance, clearing the way for the construction of a statement building.

Overlooking Market Square, the new entrance will lead to a ticket office and reception, public toilets, waiting areas and retail space and cafes will all be created, as well as improvements to accessibility. Office space on the new mezzanine level will be reserved for railway industry staff.

More than £16m has been secured from the Transforming Cities Fund to progress southern entrance works, with the remaining balance coming from the council and partners including Nexus and Network Rail. Funding is expected to be released by the council next week, which will create a total £26m ‘pot’ for the development.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, commented: “The stunning CGIs and animations that we’re unveiling today are not just a vision. They’re a delivery plan, and the product of many months of work to secure a transformational programme of investment in the station that is both ambitious and deliverable.

“We are absolutely focused on making this happen quickly, because we know it’s something residents want and something Sunderland deserves - a station to be proud of, reflecting the size, scale and significance of an ambitious Northern powerhouse.

“So much is happening in Sunderland right now - in recent months we’ve had the launch of Riverside Sunderland, a fantastic Nissan jobs announcement and continued infrastructure works enhancing our connectivity. This project represents another huge leap forward in our evolution.”

Martin Kearney, chief operating officer at Nexus, added: “We have worked alongside Sunderland City Council to make the case for investment and fund this £26 million project, which builds on the major refurbishment at platform level we delivered in 2010.

“It will create an iconic new landmark for Sunderland. The designs are fresh and modern, bringing this key regional gateway into the 21st century.”

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