Former glassworks site development plans approved

An industrial estate will be built on the site of the former glassworks in Sunderland

A former glassworks site is to be turned into an industrial estate after plans were approved.

Sunderland City Council has given the go-ahead for the multimillion-pound scheme on the land at Deptford Terrace, near the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

The site has been vacant for more than a decade but it is hoped the development will pave the way for the creation of about 325 jobs.

Councillor Martyn Herron suggested a drive-through coffee shop, also planned for the site, could become "the place to be to spot celebrities" due to its location near the Crown Works film studio development.

The estate is to be built by Jomast Developments, which plans to erect six industrial units and seven trade warehouses on the land.

Plans submitted in 2022 also included a large food store, food and drink facilities and a petrol station but these were later dropped from the scheme.

The site is in the Millfield ward, near the Queen Alexandra Bridge

Councillor Andrew Wood, who represents the Millfield ward where the site is located, said he was "very much looking forward to this development working, as others have not".

"This land has been derelict for a long time and it would be great to see it being used for businesses, not only for investment for companies in the city to grow but to bring other companies into the city for the first time."

As part of the planning approval, Jomast will provide £207,000 towards the management of the Hendon Local Wildlife Site, or an appropriate alternative, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.