(23 Feb 2017, 5:23 pm)Andreos1 wrote *looks around, quickly posts and dodges back out*

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nort...l-12646979

Plans for new road submitted.

I can see this getting the go ahead.

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Have your say on Sunderland seafront plans

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/have-...-1-8406085

This is how a proposed housing development set to create more than 1,300 jobs could look on a former Sunderland hospital site. A planning application for the former Cherry Knowle site, in Ryhope, is in its final stages and, if approved, would see Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes North East investing £50million into building 304 homes.

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/our-region...-1-8404186

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Nissan will unveil its new £37million press this morning. Work on the massive project started in June 2015. The new press line and panel storage area required a 6,780m2 extenison to the plant, taking its total footprtint to more than 362,000sq ms, – the equivalent of more than 50 football pitches.

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/our-region...-1-8407188

Sunderland is getting a HUGE new Next store - here's everything you need to know

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When will it open?

A firm start date hasn’t been pencilled in yet but work is due to get under way sooner rather than later.

It could still be a year or two until doors open though.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nort...t-12653892

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Interesting to see work could start soon, its about time, i like the plans for that public space too which NEXT are doing too, it'll defiantly make the area look better, just wish someone would knock down New look!

Watch new bus route open in Sunderland city centre = Sunderland Echo

(15 Mar 2017, 8:42 pm)AIG20 wrote Watch new bus route open in Sunderland city centre = Sunderland Echo

Used it today when i was on the 16 going to work, a few people were very confused, one women shouted "you're going down a one way system!", it feels a lot quicker now getting on to the bridge.


Hopefully this leads in to Dame Dorothy street opening 2 ways and the removal of the bus lane at the Wheatsheaf.

Planning app gone in for a Aldi at the old dewhirst site

Planning » Planning Application Documents
17/00417/FUL | Erection of a foodstore with associated vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access, car parking and landscaping | Former Dewhirst Factory Pennywell Industrial Estate Sunderland SR4 9EP


http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/PlanDM/Stre...No=1058872&PDF=true&content=obj.pdf

(17 Mar 2017, 7:15 pm)Michael wrote Planning app gone in for a Aldi at the old dewhirst site

Planning » Planning Application Documents
17/00417/FUL | Erection of a foodstore with associated vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access, car parking and landscaping | Former Dewhirst Factory Pennywell Industrial Estate Sunderland SR4 9EP


http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/PlanDM/Stre...No=1058872&PDF=true&content=obj.pdf

Not sure if it's been mentioned previously, but a Marston's pub is going to take up some of the land too. There's been rumours of a KFC, but haven't seen anything official.

(18 Mar 2017, 1:59 am)Andreos1 wrote Not sure if it's been mentioned previously, but a Marston's pub is going to take up some of the land too. There's been rumours of a KFC, but haven't seen anything official.

Ye, not sure where that planning app is up to, i think it got accepted, i'll do some digging.

Looks like the old Sports Direct Unit in the bridges is going to be River Island, hopefully someone moves in to the old River Island shop once it shuts.

From Scott5863 on Skyscrapercity:, Thanks to Scott for sharing this information

New Wear Crossing update

Bridge deck launch could begin this weekend

The operation to complete the launch of the bridge deck of Sunderland’s New Wear Crossing could get underway this weekend.

The team building the New Wear Crossing is carrying out final preparations in readiness to launch the 300m deck from the south side of the river to the north during the next few days.

If weather conditions are suitable, the team may begin the process of inching the deck out across the river from Sunday afternoon.

The initial phase will be particularly slow as the blue steel temporary nose of the deck is guided carefully through the 100 metre tall central pylon.

While people are unlikely to actually see the bridge deck moving, due to the controlled pace of the hydraulic jacks controlling the launch, over the course of time they will be able to see progress as the steel and concrete structure moves gradually towards the north embankment.

It is expected to take at least two days to complete, and will be dependent on weather conditions.



Once in place, the deck will span from where it has been assembled on the south side of the river in Pallion to the north side in Castletown, and will require a further 40m section to be constructed over the summer months on the north side in order to complete the full length of the bridge.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It will be very exciting to see the bridge deck take its final position over the River Wear.

“With every major milestone we pass, the new bridge comes to life a little bit more, and having the deck across the river will really give us an indication of what the New Wear Crossing will do for Sunderland and the positive impact it will have on the landscape.

“It will inject investment, jobs and pride into our city and will be the catalyst for regeneration and development along the riverbank in Pallion.

“Exciting times lie ahead for Sunderland.”

The New Wear Crossing is phase two of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor, which is a five-phase plan to improve links between the A19 and Sunderland City Centre and the Port of Sunderland.

Since construction got underway in May 2015, much of the work has centred around building the cofferdam and pylon foundations within the riverbed, constructing the approach roads on the south side, and assembling the bridge deck.

Roadworks have also been carried out on both sides of the river to prepare the current road network for the opening of the bridge in the spring of 2018.

However, in recent months, work has stepped up on the north side of the river, where the northern approach road and abutment are being constructed, and the new alignment of Hylton Park Road is being developed.

The work is being carried out by Farrans Construction and Victor Buyck Steel Construction, which formed a joint venture to deliver the project on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

Stephen McCaffrey, Project Director for FVB Joint Venture, said the project was progressing well and was on track to open next spring.

He said: “We may be in a position to start the initial bridge deck launch on Sunday afternoon, which will allow us to test that all the equipment is operating as expected before embarking on the bulk of the launch on Monday.

“If the weather conditions aren’t right, however, we may need to start on Monday morning instead.

“At 300 metres long and weighing 4,750 tonnes, the deck is a substantial structure so moving it out across the river will be a very slow and steady operation. It has been in the planning for a long time, and has been calculated to the nearest millimetre, so we will be monitoring it throughout to ensure it progresses in the way we expect.

“While people may not actually be able to see the deck itself moving, as it does so very slowly, over time they will see progress. We don’t expect it to be finished until Tuesday or Wednesday, at the earliest, but once complete, I’m sure people will feel that the bridge is visibly taking shape over the river.”

The 100m impressive pylon was raised into position in February during a two-day operation. It is now secured to the foundations within the riverbed and is free-standing.

Scaffolding has been attached to the top of the pylon to enable the cable stays to be fitted during the summer, which will be attached to the deck and gradually stressed to take the weight of the bridge later this year. After that, the blue steel temporary supports holding the deck will be removed.

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Woooo, it's about time!

Unsure where to put this but it is Sunderland specific and it could impact future developments in the area.

Sunderland's shrinking young population

Image captionPaige Audsley thinks her prospects in Sunderland are "pretty good"
Twenty five years after Sunderland became a city, there are plans to revive its fortunes with a bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021. But as statistics show just over 600 people aged 16-19 left the city last year, BBC News has been speaking to some young people to find out their hopes for the future.

"For me, Sunderland seems to be expanding and getting bigger and better," 17-year-old Paige Audsley, an apprentice painter and decorator, said.
"I'm proud of my job and what it means to the city. I came off site yesterday having painted a load of new homes, which are bringing new people into the city.
"We've had a new college built, the city centre is being transformed and, as a young person living in Sunderland, I think my prospects are pretty good".

Her view of her future in Sunderland is positive, but the statistics suggest there are challenges in terms of job prospects for young people in the city and the number of teenagers who are leaving.

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionSunderland became a city in 1992
According to data gathered by the Office for National Statistics just over 600 16 to 19-year-olds left Sunderland last year - more than double the average departure count of 246 for all 326 local authorities in England.

And with just 208 16-19 -year-olds arriving, Sunderland is now one of only five cities in England - along with Carlisle, Hull, Portsmouth and Stoke - where the number of residents aged 65 outnumber those aged 16.

In addition, the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19-years-olds in Sunderland has stood at 36% over the past three years, compared to 24% across the UK.


As a general rule of economics, cities with youthful and dynamic workforces tend to be richer and more prosperous places.
When compared to other cities across northern England, Sunderland economically has found itself lagging behind.

That picture is reflected in the concerns of 17-year-old Adam Gorzelanczyk.
"The whole economic picture of Sunderland is uncertain at the moment," he said.
"There are lots of jobs in retail, but little else. For most people my age the only thing that is keeping them here is their family".

Image copyrightADAM GORZELANCZYKImage captionAdam Gorzelanczyk would like a career in social work
Adam dreams of having a career in social work, a sector traditionally funded through grants from local councils. But budget cuts have meant he and many others can no longer look to the public sector for employment.

"I now think of myself as a entrepreneur," Adam said. "I want to run my own youth project, but to achieve that dream I think I'm going to have to become self-employed.
"I'm proud of the city that I live in, but if I can't achieve my dream here I would consider leaving Sunderland."

The city's growth aspirations, however, do not lack for a want of effort.

There are investments being made in Sunderland that are worth more than £1.5bn and the city has launched a bid to become the UK's City of Culture in 2021.
There may be a steady flow of young people leaving, but the data also shows those who leave are not venturing very far - with Leeds, York and Middlesbrough among the most popular destinations.

Close enough to home, perhaps, to move back once Sunderland's revival is complete?

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESImage captionSunderland is bidding to be the UK's City of Culture in 2021
Throughout the week beginning 27 March BBC News will be telling the stories of young people in Sunderland online and on social media.

Update from the VAUX site:

This is from Sup.sup on the Skyscrapercity forum:


Mr John Seager, the Chief Executive of Siglion provided the Committee with a presentation on the plans for the former Vaux Brewery, Seaburn and Chapelgarth sites in the city.
In addition to the information which was included in the report and presentation, Mr Seager advised in respect of the former Vaux Brewery site that the number one task was to deliver a mixed use master plan and that in the first phase of the development the commercial building would be completed by May-June 2018. The proposed promontory feature or Launch was to be completed by May 2018 in time for the Tall Ships Races taking place in the city. Work was well on the way to delivering an extensive list of occupiers to go on the development at different stages.

In response to Members’ questions, Mr Seager advised that there was a mixture of interest from retailers and companies in respect of office space on the Vaux site. He was convinced that pre-lets would be in place towards the end of the year to occupy the building. Planning consent limited the height of the building to 7 maybe 8 stories. However a crucial factor was cost; taller buildings cost more and incurred additional costs in terms of the need for additional fire escapes etc. Another point to bear in mind was that they were creating an office market which did not already exist. They were dealing with tight building costs with an aspiration to make the buildings look good, however they needed to be at a price they could afford to rent them out. The buildings needed to be efficient to run and have lower service charges so that the rentals could be higher. There was firm interest in building number 1 and they were talking to people in the longer term in respect of buildings 2, 3 and 4.

Mr Seager advised that a paper would be reported to the Siglion Board in the near future to determine the square footage of building 2, for which there was an extensive interest list. The Council had 4 seats on the Board and was currently represented by Councillors P. Watson and Speding and the Chief Executive as the Council had a vacant seat. There were three potential occupiers for building 3 for which heads of terms were being discussed and would be on site by 2019. Once the first building was up, people would be able to see the tone of the design


http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/Committees/...qvVw%3d%3d&rUzwRPf%2bZ3zd4E7Ikn8Lyw%3d%3d=pwRE6AGJFLDNlh225F5QMaQWCtPHwdhUfCZ%2fLUQzgA2uL5jNRG4jdQ%3d%3d&mCTIbCubSFfXsDGW9IXnlg%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&kCx1AnS9%2fpWZQ40DXFvdEw%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&uJovDxwdjMPoYv%2bAJvYtyA%3d%3d=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&FgPlIEJYlotS%2bYGoBi5olA%3d%3d=NHdURQburHA%3d&d9Qjj0ag1Pd993jsyOJqFvmyB7X0CSQK=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNR9xqBux0r1Q8Za60lavYmz=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNQ16B2MHuCpMRKZMwaG1PaO=ctNJFf55vVA%3d

IAMP – A giant advanced manufacturing park close to Nissan has been given the green light to move forward after securing £42million of government funding.


https://investnortheastengland.co.uk/new...t-funding/

Architect sought to improve a landmark site in Sunderland


A landmark location in Sunderland city centre has been earmarked for improvement.

An architect and designer's being sought to modernise Jacky Whites Market.

The Council and Sunderland Business Improvement District, are looking to appoint someone to upgrade the indoor market inside the Bridges Shopping Centre.

They have a budget of 175 thousand pounds to upgrade the physical fabric of the venue.

Jacky Whites Market is a busy traditional indoor market which Sunderland City Council says it recognises it's in need of modernisation, including potentially improving access and permeability and enhance the overall presence of the market to provide an improved experience for traders and visitors.

A successful appointment will be required to undertake all necessary surveys and investigation work, prepare a draft concept design and budget costings.

It's hoped the work will include redecoration, installation of new heating at the entrances and exits, new internal lighting, visual improvements to the main entrance and ventilation.

The aim is to have someone appointed by next month (May 2017) with the new design concept submitted by for consideration by July and costs agreed by August, with work ready to begin by September 2017.

Joplings has changed from a hotel to Retail, student accommodation.

7/01201/FUL | Sub division of existing ground floor retail floor space into 3no. retail units (Use Class A1), with the conversion of the upper floors, including additional floor space to fourth floor, into 178no. student bed accommodation (Sui Generis) with external alterations. | Former Joplings John Street City Centre Sunderland SR1 1DP

End in sight for New Wear Crossing roadworks after two years

The road will have to be closed for about 11 nights to enable resurfacing works to be carried out. The overnight closures will begin on Monday, October 16, and are due to end on the morning of Friday, October 27, weather permitting. The overnight closures will operate as follows: Monday-Wednesday 8pm–6am; Thursday 9pm-6am; Friday 9pm-7am; Saturday 9pm– 8am, and Sunday 9pm-6am. A pedestrian route through the closure will be available at all times.



Later this year, a section of Timber Beach Road and Hylton Park Road, which runs through Sunderland Business Park, will be closed for three weeks to enable a new section of road, which will run under the bridge, to be connected to the existing road network. Dates for the closure have not been confirmed yet, but diversions will be in place, replacement bus services provided, and signs and information notices displayed well in advance.



http://www.sunderlandecho.com/our-region...-1-8795620



This is going to be fun, getting to and from work!

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/hundr...-1-8796815

Residents unhappy with bus only road plans.

Works for a dual carriageway and upgraded route into Sunderland city centre are moving forward after gaining planning approval. Sunderland City Council’s application for the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor Phase (SSTC 3) was lodged earlier this year and last night given the go-ahead by the authority’s Planning and Highways Committee.


Initial preparation and ground works for the road could now start in the next six months before major works, which are set to start in 2019 and 2020. The SSTC 3 is the next stage in providing a continuous dual carriageway between the A19, the city centre and the Port of Sunderland.

The route would also help open up more development sites and opportunities on the River Wear’s south bank. It is planned from the southern bridgehead of the New Wear Crossing through Pallion, Deptford and linking into St Mary’s Boulevard, next to the Vaux site.

Councillor Mel Speding, the City Council’s Cabinet Secretary, said: “This council is committed to improving our city’s infrastructure and transport networks. By making improvements and investments to our city’s highways we attract investment, growth and create new jobs. “This is an important scheme for the city and this route can bring many traffic and regeneration benefits.” The SSTC3 route starts at its west end from the approach to the New Wear Crossing, taking traffic from there around the Pallion Shipyard site and under the end span of the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/work-...-1-8822290

(22 Jun 2017, 5:14 pm)Michael wrote Joplings has changed from a hotel to Retail, student accommodation.

7/01201/FUL | Sub division of existing ground floor retail floor space into 3no. retail units (Use Class A1), with the conversion of the upper floors, including additional floor space to fourth floor, into 178no. student bed accommodation (Sui Generis) with external alterations. | Former Joplings John Street City Centre Sunderland SR1 1DP

Looks like work has/is about to start on Joplings, the front and back are now fenced off.

New £750,000 restaurant and shop space aims to enhance Sunderland’s seafront buzz

A new £750,000 seafront project for Sunderland has been given the green light. The building - which could be used by a number of businesses, such as a restaurant, retail company or takeaway and which is expected to create at least 30 jobs - has been given the go-ahead for Roker seafront.

Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/new-7...-1-8825131

(10 Oct 2017, 6:48 pm)Michael wrote End in sight for New Wear Crossing roadworks after two years

Eastbound, the Wessington Way has now returned to two lanes.

The roadworks are still in place westbound, but looked like they were being taken down as I drove past, around 10 minutes ago.

The speed limit has been reduced to 40mph on the approach to the junction which will provide links over the new Wear Crossing - not sure if this is permanent or whether it returns to the 70mph speed limit once everything is completed.

(14 Nov 2017, 3:34 pm)Dan wrote Eastbound, the Wessington Way has now returned to two lanes.

The roadworks are still in place westbound, but looked like they were being taken down as I drove past, around 10 minutes ago.

The speed limit has been reduced to 40mph on the approach to the junction which will provide links over the new Wear Crossing - not sure if this is permanent or whether it returns to the 70mph speed limit once everything is completed.

70mph?, only road that's nearby to do 70mph is the A19, wessington way is a max of 60mph. Even the A690 from doxy park roundabout to Durham is a mixture of 60mph and 50mph and no 70mph.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

(14 Nov 2017, 5:14 pm)cbma06 wrote 70mph?, only road that's nearby to do 70mph is the A19, wessington way is a max of 60mph. Even the A690 from doxy park roundabout to Durham is a mixture of 60mph and 50mph and no 70mph.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, 70mph to my knowledge (i.e. national speed limit)? It's a dual carriageway - there's a dividing strip in between the roads (which both have two lanes). Signposted as national speed limit along the road.

A690 between Doxford Park and Durham is signposted as 50 and not national speed limit.


"The A1231 becomes a national speed limit dual carriageway 'Wessington Way' passing through the southern edge of Southwick, Castletown and Hylton Castle. To the south, the Hylton Riverside retail park is parallel to the road. Along this section a park and ride scheme operates on matchdays for visitors to the Stadium of Light."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A1231_road

"The national speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways, 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways and generally 30 mph (48 km/h) in areas with street lighting (restricted roads)."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_speed...ed_Kingdom

(14 Nov 2017, 5:28 pm)Dan wrote Yeah, 70mph to my knowledge (i.e. national speed limit)? It's a dual carriageway - there's a dividing strip in between the roads (which both have two lanes). Signposted as national speed limit along the road.

A690 between Doxford Park and Durham is signposted as 50 and not national speed limit.


"The A1231 becomes a national speed limit dual carriageway 'Wessington Way' passing through the southern edge of Southwick, Castletown and Hylton Castle. To the south, the Hylton Riverside retail park is parallel to the road. Along this section a park and ride scheme operates on matchdays for visitors to the Stadium of Light."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A1231_road

"The national speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways, 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways and generally 30 mph (48 km/h) in areas with street lighting (restricted roads)."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_speed...ed_Kingdom

Supposed to be 50 when its fully open, not sure if that's when the new bridge opens or when the junction opens 3 ways..... temp traffic lights will be used until end of November until the new traffic lights are set up.


Now it's time for Alexandrea Avenue to close, this will allow the existing road to be joined on to the new road which will go under the bridge........... does anyone know who's running the shuttle service?, and which way it'll go?

The shortlisted names for the New Wear Crossing have been revealed.

The public can vote on the three titles, that a panel of judges have chosen to name the bridge, connecting Pallion to Castletown.


https://www.sun-fm.com/news/local/243560...idge-name/

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A development between Sunderland and South Tyneside has been given the go-ahead.

Sunderland City's Council Cabinet endorsed the venture.

The site just off the A19 near Nissan is projected to bring around 5 thousand jobs and 300 million pounds in investment.



https://www.sun-fm.com/news/local/243688...velopment/

(22 Nov 2017, 9:50 am)Michael wrote The shortlisted names for the New Wear Crossing have been revealed.

The public can vote on the three titles, that a panel of judges have chosen to name the bridge, connecting Pallion to Castletown.


https://www.sun-fm.com/news/local/243560...idge-name/

Stroll on.

Bridgy McBridgeface would have been less ridiculous.

Work set to start on new £16million four-star hotel in Sunderland’s Keel Square

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/work...880302/amp

A section of the main route through Sunderland Enterprise Park is to close temporarily at the start of next year.
A section of Timber Beach Road will be shut for up to four weeks from mid-January.

https://www.sun-fm.com/news/local/245381...r-4-weeks/

This appeared on the planning today:

17/02430/OU4 | Outline application for "Redevelopment of the site for residential use up to 700 dwellings, mixed use local centre (A1-A5, B1), primary school and community playing fields, associated open space and landscape, drainage and engineering works involving ground remodelling, highway infrastructure, pedestrian and vehicle means of access and associated works (all matters reserved)" | Former Groves Cranes Site Woodbine Terrace Pallion Sunderland

More info here:


http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/PlanDM/Stre...No=1124394&PDF=true&content=obj.pdf