Topping out ceremony at impressive new Sunderland offices
CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE
T wo new office buildings that will change the face of Sunderland city centre have “ topped out ” with a traditional ceremony .
Maker and Faber , two new offices on Riverside Sunderland backed by Legal & General , will create 150,000 sq ft of Grade A space for professional services firms , as well as exciting retailers on the ground floor . With the steel frames now fully erected , the two new buildings are already making their mark on the city .
Legal & General chief executive , Sir Nigel Wilson made his way to the top of Maker for a traditional topping out ceremony alongside Sir Andrew McAlpine , partner at Sir Robert McAlpine , the building and engineering company delivering the scheme , Landid MD James Silver and the chief executive of Sunderland City Council , Patrick Melia .
Part of Riverside Sunderland – a mixed-use urban quarter that is extending the footprint of the city centre
– Maker and Faber are two key new additions to the city ’ s property portfolio that will attract businesses offering thousands of new jobs when they open their doors in 2024 .
They are part of Legal & General ’ s £ 100m commitment to the Riverside Sunderland site , alongside a further £ 60m to transform the Hilthorn Park area for new economic development , delivering important infrastructure and regeneration which responds to the needs of the local area and enables long term job creation .
Sir Nigel Wilson said : “ These are hugely significant developments that will not only change the face of Sunderland but will deliver a vital boost to the economy in a city that is fast becoming a poster child of urban regeneration .
“ This is ‘ inclusive capitalism ’ at its best . With an injection of longterm capital , towns and cities can be completely transformed and have a direct positive social impact , creating jobs and supporting real wage increases
Springing up – the Maker and Faber offices .
while creating a virtuous circle by generating income to pay pensioners .”
Maker stands six storeys high , providing 80,000 sq ft of office space . Faber , at five storeys high , will deliver 70,000 sq ft of accommodation and has already confirmed that 400 staff from RSA will move into the building in spring 2024 . Maker and Faber represent the only speculative city centre office spaces in development in the north of England this year .
James Silver , managing director of Landid , said : “ It was wonderful to see Maker and Faber top out in style – a milestone moment
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