Greggs set to roll into Eastgate Point

A national food-on-the-go retailer has become the latest business to sign up to a £15 million Sunderland development expected to support more than 350 jobs.

Greggs is planning to open a new drive-to location at Eastgate Point, just off Commercial Road, serving workers at the development alongside residents, commuters and visitors.

The Newcastle-headquartered pasty and sausage roll maker joins organisations including housing provider Gentoo and Sunderland-based Building Design Northern (BDN), which is relocating its city team to a bespoke office at the site.

Gillian Long, retail operations director for Greggs, said: “We’re excited to be opening a new drive-to location in Sunderland Eastgate Point which will bring 12 new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their Greggs favourites.”

Eastgate Point is being delivered by BDN in partnership with Hewitson Group on the former Littlewoods site.

The development will provide 125,000sq ft of commercial accommodation across 19 industrial and commercial units within nine buildings.

Hewitson Construction is delivering the scheme, with BDN providing architecture, structural and civil engineering, and project management services.

The project adds to BDN’s portfolio of Sunderland developments, which includes Sheepfolds Stables and the transformation of the former Simpson Street School.

Richard Marsden, managing director of BDN, added: “Securing Greggs is fantastic news for Eastgate Point and another real vote of confidence in this development, which is rapidly transforming the skyline on the approach to Sunderland city centre.  

“From the outset, our ambition was for Eastgate Point to become a thriving business destination, providing amenities that make it an attractive and convenient place to work. 

“Having Greggs on board will add another dimension to the development, while also providing a really accessible food and coffee offer for the surrounding community and people travelling through the area.

“With Gentoo already committed, BDN relocating its own headquarters here and further occupier announcements to come, there is a real sense of momentum building around Eastgate Point and we’re looking forward to sharing more soon as we agree pre-completion lettings with a range of businesses.”

Andrew Finnigan, operations director at Hewitson Group, added: “Greggs is a fantastic addition to Eastgate Point and exactly the kind of occupier that will help us create a vibrant, well-served commercial destination. 

“Work is advancing rapidly, and seeing what was once a barren brownfield site transformed into a contemporary scheme with well-known brands locating here is brilliant.”

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