Esh Construction has been appointed to lead the next stage of one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration initiatives, Riverside Sunderland.

In collaboration with Sunderland City Council, the company will deliver a £5.7 million package of infrastructure upgrades to drive forward this transformative project.

The next phase will enhance public spaces, improve pedestrian and cycle pathways and establish critical infrastructure to support further development in the Sheepfolds area. This includes the area around the Stadium of Light and the recently opened Sheepfolds Stables leisure hub.

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A key feature of this phase is the construction of a pedestrian footbridge linking the Stadium of Light with Sheepfolds Stables. The bridge will span over a historic cobbled path leading to the River Wear, connecting the north bank's new and existing communities with Keel Square and Sunderland city centre.

This phase marks a significant step in revitalszing the Riverside Sunderland area, creating connections and laying the groundwork for continued regeneration efforts.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "We have delivered multiple successful projects in Sunderland and are delighted to be once again working in partnership with the council to support the latest phase of the riverside's regeneration.

"We will maximise the social and economic value throughout the scheme by employing and procuring locally, providing work placement opportunities and supporting community charitable initiatives through staff volunteering time. We look forward to getting work underway."