£10m plan to turn derelict land into dynamic hub

Jan 14 2009 by Graeme King, The Journal

REGENERATION specialist St Modwen has announced its plans for two former glassworks sites in Sunderland.

The former Pyrex and Corning glass factories, next to each other to the west of the city centre, have lain derelict since their owners ceased production.

Now St Modwen is bringing forward a scheme to build a £10m mixed-use development with 65,000sqft of office space and 285 homes.

The Midlands firm has said it wants to transform the 17 acres it now owns and has promised to create hundreds of construction jobs for the life of the scheme.

St Modwen’s North East regional manager Stephen Prosser said the acquisition of the land would allow the company to start the planning process.

He said: “This will allow St Modwen to draw on its strengths as a brownfield developer and transform the majority of this important development zone into a vibrant new part of Sunderland where people can live and businesses can thrive.” St Modwen has said that it wants to start construction work at the site next year and estimates that work will be completed three to five years afterwards.

The Birmingham developer bought the 10-acre former Pyrex factory site last year and then acquired the seven-acre former Corning site.

The developer has begun demolition work at Pyrex and plans to start construction in 2010.

Sunderland Arc chief executive David Walker said: “We are delighted with St. Modwen’s announcement.

“We have been working closely with them over the past 12 months, looking at how the site can be brought forward to complement our projects in central Sunderland.

“It is further proof that, even in this difficult economic climate, developments can still happen in Sunderland.

“We have the sites available and clear and coherent plans for the area that all fit together.

“It is this environment, together with the kind of commitment shown by St Modwen, that makes Sunderland a good investment opportunity for developers and investors.”