Sunderland Vaux Brewery redevelopment approved

The former Vaux site has lay empty for 16 years

Fresh plans to redevelop the site of a former Sunderland brewery which has lain empty for 16 years have been approved.

More than 300 people lost their jobs when the Vaux Brewery closed in 1999 after 162 years.

Several proposals for the five-acre site, including a Tesco superstore, have failed to win planning permission.

But a new bid to build an office block and leisure complex has been approved by Sunderland City Council planners.

Work is due to begin in the summer, Sunderland-based developer Siglion said.

Work on the redevelopment is due to start in the summer

The firm's chief executive John Seager said: "We are excited to be finally beginning our work to breathe new life into the Vaux site.

"This is such a focal point for Sunderland and its position at the entrance to the city centre is hugely important to how people coming into Sunderland perceive the city.

"The first phase will create a superb office development, providing the city with some of the best quality working space to be found anywhere in the North East."

Irene Lucas, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, added: "The go-ahead for work to start at Vaux really is an important moment for the future development of the city."