Rebidding process under way for Sunderland Vaux brewery site

Sunderland City Council has confirmed they are now rebidding Carillion’s stalled Vaux brewery project, which was the first speculative office scheme in the city for many years.

A tender process, for the large regeneration scheme, has now begun with tenders due to be returned on the £16M project in mid-April.

Councillor Harry Trueman, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said the Vaux regeneration project was crucial for the city’s future and a lot of work had been carried out behind the scenes on getting new tenders drafted as soon as possible.

He added: “Vaux has always been a flagship site and many have described it as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. This development is one about expanding the footprint of our city centre, and bringing more jobs and economic prosperity to Sunderland.”

Long-term plans remain to develop the former brewery site into a new business district to create more city centre jobs, offices and pedestrian traffic.

The City Council acquired the site from supermarket chain Tesco in 2011. In 2012 and 2013, the council prepared the Vaux site for development by removing contaminated materials and demolition.

In 2013 and 2015, a major re-shaping and re-modelling of the city centre was completed with the creation of the Keel Square and St Mary’s Boulevard.

Siglion is the scheme’s development partner and its Chief Executive John Seager said: “The process to appoint a contractor for the final construction phase on site is under way, and we hope to be in a position to announce more details on that soon.

“The priority had been to ensure that the project would be delivered in a way that provides continuity, in terms of the subcontractors and ensuring minimal impact on the warranties and terms of the original contract.”