Siglion – a regeneration company formed by Sunderland City Council and developers Carillion – is set to hold a series of public consultations over its plans to remodel Sunderland’s seafront at Seaburn.
Siglion plans a development that would blend housing with leisure facilities and be focused around a broad central avenue.
There would be both outdoor and indoor leisure amenities, which it is hoped would increase visitor footfall in the area.
The redevelopment site is off Whitburn Road and centred around Lowry Road.
However, not all local residents agree with Siglion’s plans and a Save Seaburn group has been set up to oppose them. There are concerns that the plan includes more housing units than would be appropriate for the area.
Siglion would now like to consult locals about matters such as the type of leisure facilities that would be included in the development, the character and design of the buildings, and any ideas they have about how to draw visitors to the area.
Katie Sully, Siglion’s development director, said, “We have outline plans to reinvigorate Seaburn and create almost 100,000 square feet of indoor leisure space on site, which is equivalent to a football pitch and nine tennis courts”
“That’s a huge expanse of space and we would love to work with the people of Sunderland to help shape our thinking on the type of leisure they’d like to see, as well as the look and feel of the buildings they would like on site.”
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a seafront we can all be proud of. We want the site to serve the community and deliver a sustainable development that will be just as relevant and popular in 20 years’ time as it will on the day it opens.”
“We’d love to hear the community’s views.”
Siglion added, “There was a time, as remembered by members of our team, when Seaburn was a thriving resort with a permanent fairground, dominated by a big dipper, amusement arcades, restaurants, a promenade, deck chairs and donkey rides.”
“However, along with many UK resorts, its popularity has declined, particularly as a destination for family holidays. The funfair has closed and only a few restaurants and amusement arcades remain.”
“The question we need to address in developing the Seaburn site is the nature of a 21st century seaside resort.”
“Whereas in the past this catered for family holidays, today it is more likely to be day trips. Whereas before the main audience were visitors, today it is also likely to be people seeking somewhere to live.”
Siglion intends to hold several small feedback sessions, with a limited number of places for each. The opinions expressed in these sessions will help shape Siglion’s plans for the site.
Siglion hopes that its plans will be given the go-ahead in the coming months.
The consultation sessions will be held both during the day and in the evening. Anyone interested in taking part can email lowri.bond@siglion.co.uk or visit www.shapingsunderland.com.
