A major industrial regeneration scheme in Sunderland is advancing rapidly, showcasing digital construction delivery and strategic collaboration.
The £13m Eastgate Point Sunderland development is transforming a long-disused brownfield site into a modern industrial hub. Located on the former Littlewoods site in Hendon, the 125,000 sq ft scheme is progressing at pace, with multiple buildings already reaching structural completion.
Delivered through a partnership between Building Design (Northern) (BDN) and Hewitson Group, the project reflects a coordinated digital construction approach. Steelwork is now in place for five buildings, with three structures topped out, marking a key milestone in the phased delivery programme.
The development will provide 19 industrial units across nine buildings, alongside supporting infrastructure including a drive-to coffee shop and upgraded streetscape. Once complete, the site is expected to support over 350 jobs, reinforcing Sunderland’s position within the North East industrial and logistics sector.
Integrated design, engineering and project management
BDN has led architectural design, structural engineering, civil engineering, and project management across Eastgate Point. This integrated delivery model aligns with digital construction best practice, enabling improved coordination, reduced risk, and efficient project execution.
Richard Marsden, managing director at BDN, said: “It’s fantastic to see swathes of land that had been undeveloped for so long advancing so quickly and changing the skyline for traffic travelling into Sunderland city centre.
“It’s a brilliant location, with excellent connectivity to major arterial routes and close proximity to the city centre, and we’ve had really strong early interest from businesses looking to relocate into modern, well-designed industrial space.”
Industrial units, sustainability and smart infrastructure
Eastgate Point is designed to meet demand for flexible, energy-efficient industrial space. Each unit incorporates integrated office space, supporting hybrid operational requirements for industrial occupiers.
The scheme includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with plans submitted for an eight-space charging station. This aligns with broader sustainability targets and supports the transition to low-emission transport within industrial developments.
Energy efficiency is a core design principle, with buildings engineered to reduce operational energy demand and lower lifecycle costs for occupiers, key considerations in digital construction and sustainable asset management.
Tenant demand and commercial occupation strategy
Early occupier interest highlights the demand for high-quality industrial space in Sunderland. Gentoo has confirmed it will establish a new trade depot on site in partnership with Jewson Partnership Solutions. Its 19,000 sq ft facility is the most advanced on the site, with roof installation complete and delivery expected by August 2026.
The phased completion strategy anticipates that the first eight buildings will be fully let and operational by early 2027, reflecting strong market absorption.
Andrew Finnigan, group operations director at Hewitson Group, said: “The pace of change at Eastgate Point has been phenomenal, and we expect to see the first eight buildings fully let and ready to open by early 2027.
“Each time I visit the site, there’s a visible change to the landscape. It’s great to be playing a part in delivering a scheme that will add so much value to Sunderland.”
Sunderland regeneration and public-private collaboration
The scheme represents a wider strategy to unlock brownfield land through public-private collaboration. Sunderland City Council has played a key role in enabling development conditions that support private sector delivery.
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “As a Hendon ward councillor, I am delighted to see a site, that has stood empty for so long, transform so rapidly.
“We’re creating the conditions in Sunderland for the private sector to step in and deliver at pace, and that’s fuelling regeneration on a scale not seen for decades.”
Eastgate Point Sunderland demonstrates how digital construction, integrated delivery models, and sustainable design can accelerate industrial regeneration, attract investment, and support regional economic growth through scalable infrastructure development.
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