Sunderland City Council has submitted an application to its planning department for a new development at Bridge House in Sunderland, with PBSA a consideration for the scheme alongside other uses. The Council is seeking permission to raze the building with the aim of unlocking the site ‘for future development’.
Currently a vacant office block, the three-storey building is located near a major gateway into the city centre at Bridge Street. Plans for the demolition of the building have been submitted with numerous supporting documents, including a covering letter by property consultancy Lichfields, outlining details of the works.
The supporting letter states that Sunderland City Council is planning to redevelop Bridge House to complement the continued regeneration of Riverside Sunderland.
Architects FaulknerBrowns have created initial drawings for the site. It was argued that the works were necessary to ensure the continued regeneration and redevelopment of this part of Sunderland city centre.
“The site is located within an area undergoing imminent and positive change, with modern residential and commercial development coming forward on nearby sites as part of the adjacent Riverside Sunderland regeneration project.
“Indeed, the council has bold ambitions to establish this area of the city centre over the next 20 years as a successful business location; a popular place for people to live; and a focal point for civic, cultural and community life.
“In this context, the applicant is planning the redevelopment of the Bridge House site to complement the continued regeneration of Riverside Sunderland.
“To realise the council’s ambitions and to facilitate future development, planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing office block on site.
“It is proposed that the demolition work will proceed in advance of detailed proposals being drawn up for the redevelopment of the site.”
Covering application letter, Lichfields
The planning application confirms that the potential PBSA site at Bridge House is council-owned but does not indicate when demolition is expected to happen, or how long it would take.
As part of the works, temporary traffic regulation orders would also be put in place for public safety and access reasons, including a partial footpath closure to Bridge Street and the closure of the subway off Wear Street West for the duration of the works.
A decision on the proposed demolition of Bridge House and the potential creation of PBSA will be made once a period of council consultation has concluded. The deadline is 27 January 2025.
“The city council and its partners are progressing at pace with the widespread regeneration of Riverside Sunderland, the Sunniside neighbourhood, and the wider city centre.
“High Street West and the Bridge House site have been identified as key locations for further investment as we build on the successful delivery of The Beam, City Hall, Keel Square Hotel, the new Eye Hospital, Maker & Faber, the New Wear Footbridge, and Culture House.
“The council has recently submitted a planning application for demolition and enabling works at the vacant Bridge House site.
“This is to unlock the site for future development and attract more investment to create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
“Several future uses are under consideration, including student accommodation, and we will provide further updates in due course.”
Spokesperson, Sunderland City Council
