Capital&Centric given green light for Sunderland city centre overhall

Capital&Centric are on the cusp of kick-starting an exciting transformation of Sunderland’s High Street West, following the city council’s cabinet decision to appoint them to provide development management services.

The bold overhaul will see a key stretch of the high street reimagined as a vibrant city neighbourhood where people can live, work and hang out. Plans are being prepared for the delivery of high quality design-led new homes alongside, space for indie businesses, with  active ground floor commercial space being earmarked for cafés, bars, makers and creatives..

The new look High Street West will celebrate urban living with a greener, more walkable vibe with plant-lined streets, attractive pocket parks, and spaces to sit, meet and hang out. A city centre that people don’t just pass through, but properly live, work and play in.

John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said:

"We’re buzzing about the opportunity to bring the Capital&Centric approach to Sunderland. High Street West is brimming with potential and our ambition is to create a city neighbourhood that feels characterful, independent and full of life. The mix of homes, green streets and space for locals to do their thing is how we plan to create a lasting community, not just buildings. Now we have the green light, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves and getting cracking."

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said:

“With the Riverside Sunderland regeneration progressing at pace, and with the development of the former Vaux site establishing a new vibrant heart to the city, it will be brilliant to see the regeneration programme extend to High Street West,  connecting Riverside Sunderland with the city centre.  

“Working with Capital&Centric – we will create a vibrant, people-first neighbourhood that reflects the creativity and ambition of our community and continue in generating a city where people choose to live, work, and play.”

High Street West is the latest in a pipeline of projects for Capital&Centric, known for bold regeneration and social impact across towns and cities from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent, Bolton to Sheffield.

High Street West’s transformation is part of the council’s Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which includes residential, commercial and leisure developments. It is part of a programme of development projects that, taken together, aim to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent and fits with the city's housing strategy, which will see 7,000 new homes built by 2030.