Rail chiefs 'committed' to filling station shops

To Let notices are displayed within the station in an effort to attract traders

Transport bosses say they remain committed to securing tenants at a railway station dubbed "an empty, dirty glass box".

Sunderland's redeveloped facility opened in December 2023 with a new front entrance costing £27m, but several shop units have not been filled.

It is understood the local authority has offered informal support to Northern, which is responsible for running the site, in an effort to let the retail space.

The rail firm said it had local and national agents acting on its behalf "to generate interest".

The southern concourse, at Market Square, has faced several issues.

Public toilets have been put out of action several times due to vandalism, while the station's lifts have been damaged.

The issue of empty shops was raised during councillors' questions at the most recent meeting of Sunderland City Council, with Conservative Dominic McDonough describing the station as an "empty, dirty glass box".

Council leader Michael Mordey, of Labour, has previously stressed the station is "not the responsibility of the council" as it is owned by Network Rail and operated by Northern.

The new entrance area was branded "disappointing" and "bare" by users when it opened

A spokesperson for Northern said: "We remain committed to securing tenants for the retail units at Sunderland Station and have both local and national agents acting on our behalf to generate interest.

"Unfortunately, despite the offer of flexible letting terms we have been unable to get a short or long-term deal over the line.

"We will continue to work with Sunderland City Council and our letting agents to attract suitable retailers to the station."

Typical lease terms are between three and six years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, although longer or shorter terms are possible.