igloo set to ‘raise the bar’ with Sunderland scheme

A regeneration project is set to bring a wave of new city centre homes in Sunderland.

Work is beginning on 34 new dwellings at the former Vaux site, led by sustainable developer igloo Regeneration. 

The scheme includes 16 innovative homes inspired by winning designs from the Government-backed Home of 2030 competition, which promotes efficient, green and future-ready housing. 

Residents will enjoy a mix of two and three-bedroom townhouses, maisonettes and apartments, all within walking distance of Riverside 

Officials say the 0.74-acre development, delivered in partnership with Compass Developments NE Ltd, will sit between The Beam and the new Sunderland Eye Hospital. 

They add it will complement existing apartment blocks and upcoming housing being delivered by Building Design (Northern) Limited at Farringdon Row, forming part of a wider mixed-use community that will ultimately include 133 homes alongside commercial and leisure spaces.

Joe Broadley, development director from igloo, which has previously delivered schemes in London, Leeds and Newcastle, said: “We are excited to bring forward this next chapter in the transformation of Riverside Sunderland. 

“Using our award-winning ‘Home of 2030’ designs, we’re creating places that are fit for the future, with homes that are of a mixed tenure, energy-efficient and built to enhance people’s lives for decades to come in a prime city centre location.

‘This development will not only meet the needs of modern city living but also follow the igloo ethos of setting new benchmarks for sustainability, innovation and community connections. 

“Thanks to Sunderland City Council and our partners for collaborating with us to deliver a vibrant new community that will help shape the future of the wider Sunderland area. 

“Together we’re proud to be part of the regeneration of the former Vaux site and look forward to seeing this new neighbourhood grow into a place where people can truly thrive.”

Riverside Sunderland, which has been recognised as ‘Best Place in Progress’ at the Pineapple Awards, forms part of one of the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects. 

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “Riverside Sunderland is recognised on a national stage as one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the country right now, and we know that people want to live here and make the most of the fantastic lifestyle offer that the city centre can now provide.

“City centre living in Sunderland is transforming. 

“We have an abundance of leisure provision on the doorstep – from Sheepfolds Stables to the Botanist, and with Riverside Park taking shape, Culture House closing in on completion, and the wider city centre changing rapidly with places like Omniplex, the Fire Station, Flower Café, and Mackies Corner among the places that are breathing new life into the high street, there could not be a better time to see more homes being built for people who want to enjoy the benefits of urban life in a stunning riverside location.

“We’re thinking big in Sunderland. 

“We don’t just want homes – we want the best homes. 

“Homes that raise the bar. 

“And through partnership working, with organisations like igloo, we can deliver them for the city, as part of a community that is genuinely world-class.”

Work on the new homes will start later this month, with the properties ready for occupation in 2027.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →