Just Eat takes bite out of Sunderland offices

A food delivery and takeaway service has expanded its footprint in Sunderland with a significant new office lease.

Just Eat, the UK’s leading rapid delivery app, has signed a ten-year lease for over 18,000sq ft of office space at Maker, part of the new L&G-backed Riverside Sunderland development. 

Bosses say the move marks a shift from its previous out-of-town base and reinforces its commitment to the city.

They add that the company will occupy the entire fifth floor of Maker, along with part of the fourth floor and a terrace space that boasts striking views over the River Wear and out to sea.

Kirsti McKernan, regional operations director at Just Eat, said: “We are delighted to take this next step in delivering on our long-term commitment to Sunderland. 

“Maker & Faber are right at the heart of a regenerating city centre. 

“We want to ensure that our colleagues enjoy the best working environment possible, so positioning ourselves in such a well-connected location means this is an ideal move.”

Since arriving in the North East in 2021, Just Eat’s operations have contributed £20.8 million to Sunderland’s local economy, with an additional £31.7 million generated through supply chain impacts and worker spending. 

Devlopment manager Landid has overseen the design and construction of Maker on behalf of global investor L&G, which has committed £100 million to the regeneration of Riverside Sunderland. 

The building was designed by local firm Ryder and constructed by SRM, with a focus on utilising local skills and materials.

James Silver, managing director at Landid, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Just Eat to Maker. 

“We’ve created two spectacular offices, the likes of which rarely come to market, so it’s brilliant to see Just Eat recognising that and understanding the benefits it will bring to their people and their business, not only through Maker’s excellent ESG credentials but the wider advantages that being in such an exceptional office will bring.”

Mike Coplowe, head of development partnerships, asset management at L&G, added: “Sunderland is a transforming city, undergoing hundreds of millions of pounds of regeneration in the city centre and beyond.

“We are proud to have created a space that will so positively contribute to the city economy.  

“L&G are committed to delivering impactful and sustainable investments that transform places and communities from the moment work starts on site, through to the jobs and opportunities they create for generations to come.”

The regeneration of Riverside Sunderland, led by Sunderland City Council alongside private sector partners, is transforming a previously dormant area with projects including the Wear Footbridge, Vaux Housing, Culture House and Eye Hospital nearing completion.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see Maker & Faber complete and announce that Just Eat are moving in.

“This whole site is about creating opportunities for local people – from jobs to leisure spaces and homes – and some 10,000 people will occupy the 1 million sq ft of office space we plan to create over the course of Riverside Sunderland’s lifespan. 

“We’re proud that the team at Just Eat will be among them.

“We have worked with Just Eat for a number of years, first to secure their investment in the city, and supporting them as they established a team in Sunderland, developing a strong working relationship with them over the last four years.  

“We’re pleased to be working with them as they strengthen their ties to the city with their move to Maker.”

The deal was secured with the help of joint agents JLL and Knight Frank.

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