Second Phase of City Centre River Quarter Development Begins

The long wait is over, the second phase of the exciting River Quarter Development in the heart of Sunderland’s historic Sunniside has begun.

Demolition contractors finally took possession of the former Bristol Street Motors site at High Street West this week to commence construction of the new bowling alley and apartment block. This will form the second phase of the project, which began with construction of the multiplex cinema, restaurants, casinos and multi-storey car park.

The development comprising 2 levels of bowling alley and 53 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and penthouses on 9 floors, has been achieved through close collaboration of Emperor Property Management, Sunderland City Council, One North East, Sunniside Partnership and Helios Properties.

Trevor Cartner, Director of Helios Properties said: “We started this development 5 years ago and completed the first phase 3 years ago, we see this stage as the completion of the development. This would not have been possible without the help of the Sunderland City Council and the other partners involved in this project.”

The total cost for the development is around £12million and construction, which will be undertaken by Sunderland Housing Group’s building company, is due to be completed by Spring 2009. This project is yet another addition to the city’s radical transformation. It will create a mixture of high quality modern architecture whilst preserving its cultural heritage and help Sunderland compete with other large metropolitan cities.

Ben Hall, Director of Sunniside Partnership, said: "This exciting new development is part of the ongoing success and regeneration of Sunniside. More leisure and residential opportunities will certainly go along way to reinforcing the area as a priority destination in the city.”

The River Quarter is a landmark site on the bank of the River Wear, in a central location with access to all major road networks and public transportation links allowing the scheme to benefit from an all day trade.

Stewart Allen, Managing Director of Emperor Property Management said: “This is an exciting project for Emperor Property Management to be involved in and will compliment the restoration work that has already been completed in the Sunniside area. The River Quarter will provide a lively and desirable place to live, work and entertain.

“This is a particularly significant and important scheme in terms of the regeneration of Sunderland city centre, for which we have received support from all concerned. I think this is one of the best examples of true ‘partnership’ working where everyone has pulled together over the last 3 years to make sure this site is developed with a high quality building.”

For more information contact Sarah Todd, PR Manager
Sunderland Housing Group
Tel: 0191 525 5981 / 07793 305 375
E-mail: sarah.todd@sunderlandhousing.co.uk
Web: www.sunderlandhousinggroup.co.uk