Prep work underway at major housing development site

PREPARATORY work that will pave the way for the remainder of Sunderland‘s largest new residential scheme is underway.

A range of infrastructure works that will ensure that the final phases of housing can be developed at Sunderland’s Potters Hill, close to Chapelgarth, is being delivered by North East based Esh Construction.

New drainage, landscaping and a play area – Joes Paddock – in the centre of the development are among the works set to be carried out over the coming months, targeting completion by Autumn this year.

The programme will ensure that further private development can move ahead on the site – which forms part of South Sunderland Growth Area (SSGA) – with schemes by Duchy Homes, Miller Homes and Story Homes already underway.

Potters Hill – which is being brought to the market by the council as master developer of the 750 -home site – will deliver high quality homes for families of all sizes.

Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Delivering attractive high-quality new homes across the city will ensure that we capitalise on the fantastic economic developments underway in the city, bringing new people to live and work into Sunderland and providing housing choice that better meets the needs of our existing residents.

“We’re delighted to commission this project that will get the groundwork in place for the next phase of development at Potters Hill, in preparation for more homes rising from the ground in the South Sunderland Growth Area.”

Esh was appointed following a competitive tender process and has started work to deliver the £1.2m programme.

Esh’s Divisional Director, Steven Garrigan, said: “This scheme builds on the success of the first phase which Esh Construction delivered in 2019 to pave the way for new homes in Potters Hill. Esh’s appointment to deliver the second phase of infrastructure works will allow us to bring even more social and economic benefits to the area by procuring a local supply chain with a local workforce, offering work experience opportunities, and donating community grant funding to a local organisation or charity in need.”

Potters Hill will be developed in phases, with individually designed schemes being completed to create an attractive new residential community with a range of distinct property types.  The scheme protects the woodland areas that surround the development and has been influenced by the existing landscape and natural features of the site.  Across the whole Potters Hill site, when it is fully developed, there will be 13.5 hectares of natural green space – the equivalent in area to over 18 full size football pitches.

Potters Hill is one of a number of new housing schemes planned or underway in Sunderland, that will see more than 7,000 new properties rise from the ground over the coming 10 years.

The council is leading a city-wide housing strategy to ensure Sunderland has the volume and variety of homes it needs to attract and retain a diverse range of residents.  Among other housing developments moving forward across the city are new coastal communities being created by Avant Homes and Miller Homes at Seaburn; a £40m scheme delivered by Karbon Homes in North Hylton and a £400m+ plan by Gentoo to invest in its existing stock, as well as significant new affordable homes programme. Sunderland City Council is also delivering on ambitions to develop contemporary new city centre homes on the Riverside Sunderland site, the existing Civic Centre site, Sunniside, and at Northern Spire Park alongside the stunning Northern Spire bridge.