Eastgate Point scheme gathers momentum

A North East industrial project is advancing quickly as work continues on the regeneration of an 8.5-acre brownfield site.

Eastgate Point, a £13 million project on the former Littlewoods site in Hendon, Sunderland, is advancing with several buildings now reaching full height as part of the first phase.

Delivered through a partnership between Sunderland-based Building Design Northern (BDN) and contractor Hewitson Group, the 125,000sq ft scheme will provide 19 industrial units across nine buildings, alongside a drive-to coffee shop and public realm improvements.

BDN has led architectural, structural and civil engineering services, as well as project management, while Hewitson Group is delivering construction.

The development is expected to support more than 350 jobs, creating a new hub for business activity in the area.

Richard Marsden, managing director of BDN, which is also the developer behind Sheepfolds Stables, said: “It’s fantastic to see swathes of land that had been undeveloped for so long advancing so quickly and changing the skyline for traffic travelling into Sunderland city centre.

“It’s a brilliant location, with excellent connectivity to major arterial routes and close proximity to the city centre, and we’ve had really strong early interest from businesses looking to relocate into modern, well-designed industrial space.”

Andrew Finnigan, group operations director at Hewitson Group, added: “The pace of change at Eastgate Point has been phenomenal, and we expect to see the first eight buildings fully let and ready to open by early 2027.

“Each time I visit the site, there’s a visible change to the landscape. 

“It’s great to be playing a part in delivering a scheme that will add so much value to Sunderland.”

Housing association Gentoo has already committed to the site, announcing plans for a new trade depot in partnership with Jewson Partnership Solutions. 

Its 19,000sq ft unit is among the most advanced on site, with completion targeted for August 2026.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “As a Hendon ward councillor, I am delighted to see a site, that has stood empty for so long, transform so rapidly.

“We’re creating the conditions in Sunderland for the private sector to step in and deliver at pace, and that’s fuelling regeneration on a scale not seen for decades.”

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