(14 Jan 2026, 1:02 pm)XQ Zero wrote Yes, there was talk of re-instating the disused platforms. Or at least that was my understanding of a press release back in July 2021 about the redevelopment of Sunderland. I have not seen anything since.
"Major works to the platform-level of the station are included in the plans, with the ambition to increase capacity by creating a four track, four platform station that separates Nexus and Metro, on one platform, from mainline services allowing both to expand as public transport connections regionally and nationally, and enabling them to provide access to jobs, to secure investment and to grow the economy."
SUNDERLAND CENTRAL STATION TO BE TRANSFORMED | Portfolio North
The disused trackbed is benenth Waterloo Place and the public realm of Market Square. So there will need to be significant changes to being that section in to use, but also at street level. Where do you plonk a concourse and escalators? It's cut and cover, so not much room between street and platform and you cannot link it to the main building without removing a load of retail (where Costa and Poundland is)