Sunderland Central Station Redevelopment & Car Park - £27.989m gross, £3.470m net (£20.157m external funding and £4.362m already in existing programme)

Redevelopment of the Sunderland Central Station & car park. This will be via the demolition and reconstruction of the main southern concourse of the Station above platform level with the provision of a new modern facility to act as an improved arrival experience for people arriving into the city by rail and also the associated parking facilities to serve the station and the City. The project is expected to be supported by external funding from the Transforming Cities Fund (Tranche 2). Area Outcomes / Benefits and Contribution to Strategic Priorities: The investment to rebuild the station at concourse level, to provide modern, attractive facilities for a better passenger experience will also serve as a gateway focal point for the retail core of Sunderland, with the corresponding benefits to businesses, commuters and visitors to the city. It’s aspiration as a university hub also means an enhanced railway station has potential to serve more students and help drive the growth of the fledgling knowledge industry and promote low carbon travel. Establishing a 500-space car park on the nearby Holmeside site will facilitate both pre-paid permits and pay & display parking and will provide the Council with a revenue stream. Although its primary benefit will be to offer park and ride support to heavy rail users the car park will be a city-wide asset for the occupants and visitors to the City Centre.