Work begins on Sunderland retail park development

Construction has commenced on a new multi-million-pound retail development on the site of Sunderland’s former Farringdon Hall Police Station and surrounding land, promising to “add real value” to the local community and bring a “significant boost” to the local economy.

Led by Almscliffe Dhesi Developments (1) Ltd, part of Almscliffe Dhesi, the 32,100 sq ft retail park will feature a range of national retailers, including B&M Homestore, Costa Drive-thru, Greggs, The Tanning Shop and Westway Vets. The project is expected to create over 100 jobs in the area.

The site will also include a car park with 110 spaces, accessible bays, cycle parking and eight electric vehicle charging points operated by Fastned.

Bal Singh, Almscliffe Dhesi director, said: “It fills me with great pride to finally see work beginning on site.

“Having worked on this project for over six years, it has been a real labour of love for me as I’m incredibly proud of the area and of my city of Sunderland.

“The old police station building has been nothing but a blight on our community since it closed its doors nine years ago, so it’s been great working with Sunderland City Council, who share our vision of once again making this a key part of the community and to breathe new life into the site.”

“As a Sunderland lad, I’ve lived close to Durham Road all my life, so I’m delighted to be able to rejuvenate this derelict site.”

Neil Creeney, co-director of Almscliffe Dhesi, added: “Our business blueprint involves locating a vacant visible, roadside site, preferably in Yorkshire, the North East or Humberside, and obtaining planning permission to develop it for retail and roadside uses.

“We have excellent contacts for nationally renowned end-users, including supermarkets, drive-thru’ outlets and retail operators, who are looking for what we can provide.

“This major Sunderland development is a magnificent example of this.”

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