'Flagship' city housing scheme gains approval

A 165-home city centre scheme has been approved.

Sunderland City Council has backed build-to-rent developer Placefirst’s Farringdon Row blueprint.

The venture will include 67 homes and 98 apartments across a 4.57-acre brownfield site by the River Wear.

Part of the city’s wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which has already transformed ex-Vaux brewery land into a city hall and office space, bosses say the “flagship” project will “deliver better rental options… in an ongoing housing crisis”.

Work is set to begin later this year.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, said: “Farringdon Row will create more city centre accommodation that will boost the number of residents living in the heart of Sunderland. 

“Riverside Sunderland is a critical driver for the regeneration of the whole of the city centre.

“It’s a massive step forward in a part of the city that is unrecognisable from the place it once was.”

Alun Davies, Placefirst head of planning, added: “Amid an ongoing housing crisis, the urgency to deliver better rental options in cities has never been greater.

“We’re pleased to have been able to fast-track the progress of this development to help realise Sunderland’s potential as one of the North East’s most vibrant and sought-after locations. 

“There doesn’t need to be a compromise between high-quality sustainable housing, green spaces and accessible city centre living – and Farringdon Row’s sustainability credentials, abundant greenery and central location show our commitment to delivering all three.”

Placefirst worked with Sunderland City Council, the North East Combined Authority and Homes England to secure funding for the scheme.

Its plans were supported by local architect ID Partnerships, development consultancy IC Planning, engineering consultancy Cundall, landscape architect LUC and mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy TACE.

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