Port of Sunderland, UK

Typical of many British coastal cities and towns, Sunderland has seen a decline in port activity over the past several years as the shipping and transport industry has focused on fewer, more strategically-located facilities. Whilst there is still a business case for a viable port in Sunderland the facilities and land requirements can be consolidated into a smaller site area. The purpose of this study was to prepare an overall master plan to consolidate the port, provide new and improved access arrangements, and establish a land use strategy and overall vision for the vacated areas.

The Regeneration Framework calls for the establishment of a linear port situated along the western side of the docks. Existing topography allows for access roads to the new commercial district to the east to bridge over the port facilities thereby ensuring a secure port arrangement. The new uses will focus on employment opportunities for the city and will include recycling industries in the south, industrial and high-tech uses in the middle portion, and higher value office and leisure uses in the northern-most portion of the site. Halcrow have been responsible for the overall planning and engineering of the scheme.