(24 Apr 2016, 8:31 pm)Ambassador Had my first trip into Sunderland this weekend in an age.

Eye opener to say the least! Never seen so many charity and bargain shops on a main thoroughfare in a City before. Lots of empty units too. Everywhere was so quiet too. Felt like I was in some small town as opposed to a city

(24 Apr 2016, 9:51 pm)Ambassador I suppose it's difficult with Sunderland. Easily commutable to Dalton Park, Newcastle and the Metrocentre. Arguably even the Galleries and Retail Park. Historically less prosperous population etc

(24 Apr 2016, 10:20 pm)BusLoverMum Aye. It was a little more exciting as a city centre when it did have Joplings (purely for the wonky floors), plus a proper indoor market. And Food Giant!

(17 May 2016, 6:51 pm)cbma06 SSTC3 Consultation

(17 May 2016, 10:51 am)Michael Sweet Tooth delivery is opening 2 stores in Sunderland, one on Searoad in Fulwell and one in Sunderland City Centre opposite Nando's.

http://www.sweettoothdelivery.co.uk/

(17 May 2016, 7:32 pm)BusLoverMum I never see anyone buying anything from the one on Prince Bishops' in Durham.

(17 May 2016, 6:51 pm)cbma06 SSTC3 Consultation

(17 May 2016, 7:52 pm)Andreos1 It isn't just me that sees this as another new road in Sunderland, that runs parallel to an existing one I hope.

(17 May 2016, 7:59 pm)Michael It is however this road will lead straight to the new bridge, only having the one junction on it, compared to the 3 on the current route to the new bridge, It also gives an opportunity for a better area down on the riverside allowing new things to happen... which tbh, it needs.

(17 May 2016, 8:46 pm)Andreos1 There must be another, more cost effective way of doing it. Knocking buildings down and condensing the remaining buildings in to a small space between the new road and the river, doesn't seem the most sensible.
The new road from Ryhope is an excellent example of how not to do exactly what they're planning for Deptford/Pallion.

(17 May 2016, 8:52 pm)Michael What would you do the current roads, you can't make then duel, due to buildings etc

Half of the buildings are empty anyway

(17 May 2016, 9:12 pm)Andreos1 The maintenance of existing roads (like Pallion New Road and Trimdon Street West), cost. Obviously you have to factor in the construction of the new road and ongoing maintenance too.

Someone else apart from the council must own the Corning's site - judging by the way the road navigates around it.

If the new road was to replace Pallion New Road and Trimdon Street West, instantly the council can save money and raise funds by selling it - but ensuring access is maintained to the few businesses that exist along there.

Other than that, could a new junction could be constructed on the site of the current Queen Alex Bridge roundabout, giving access (and priority) to the road from the new bridge

(17 May 2016, 9:25 pm)Michael Its not really replacing Pallion Road though, its an extra route to the bridge.

There was proposals about a new junction at the current Alexandrea roundabout but I'm not sure if anything came of it.

If that proposal of the new junction ever came back up it could link up to the new road for the bridge.

(17 May 2016, 9:47 pm)Andreos1 Yeah, that's what I was saying. This new road is duplicating the existing roads. When really, I can't see the need for the two roads shadowing each other.

If Pallion New Road was sold to developers, it instantly opens up an area for more redevelopment. Assuming some of the empty land around there can be bundled up in the same sale.

Being honest, it is about a year since I last drove along there, so can't remember what is along there. I can vaguely recall a petrol station and bingo hall from when I used the road in the past.