North East developer Modo Bloc has revealed plans for a £2.1m commercial property development, set to bring much-needed jobs to Southwick, Sunderland.
The Newcastle-based developer has submitted plans to Sunderland City Council to redevelop a brownfield site adjacent to Kings Road and Sunderland Road.
Modo Bloc hopes to build two units – a 4,000 sq ft unit for Tesco and a 1,200 sq ft unit for Cooplands. The development is expected to create up to 20-30 jobs once fully completed and let.
George Jenkins, MD of Modo Bloc, explained: “This is a small but exciting commercial development that has attracted two high quality retail tenants. It’s a perfect roadside location where demand will be high.” Modo Bloc director Ollie Stapleton added: “We are pleased to have an opportunity to breathe life and energy back into the location, helping to regenerate this part of Southwick.”
Modo Bloc is already looking at other commercial development sites around the region and is currently seeking planning permission from South Tyneside Council for a £3m development project off Claypath Lane and the A194, in South Shields. Modo Bloc hopes to build three units as well as a Starbucks Drive Thru store.
The ambitious developer recently established Modo Bloc Construction to help accelerate some of its new residential and commercial developments.
Last year Modo Bloc secured planning permission from Stockton Borough Council to build 22 light industrial units on a brownfield site on Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham. Construction of the 30,000 sq ft of new industrial space is well underway. This £4 million project was the first of several planned projects in the commercial property development arena.
Elsewhere, the developer is busy with several high-quality, design-led residential developments, including in Stannington, Northumberland and The Ropes, Ouseburn, Newcastle.
The Newcastle-based developer has formed a partnership with Christian homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing to donate £2,000 towards housing and supporting a homeless person for every new house or two flats it sells this year.
Modo Bloc has already sold two properties ‘off plan’ at its luxury, seven design-led, four-storey townhouses development, The Ropes, at St Lawrence Road, overlooking the Ouseburn Valley and River Tyne, in Newcastle. A first donation has already been paid to the charity.
George Jenkins, of Modo Bloc, explained: “We have a busy, exciting year ahead with new home developments across the city – especially in and around Ouseburn. These projects will set a new standard in residential development and drive regeneration in a key area of the city.
“As part of our wider plans to be a catalyst for regeneration we felt it was important to do something with people struggling in the communities in which we invest. It’s important to look to the people as well as living places when trying to build better communities and attractive destinations.”
Construction of The Ropes, a £4m development, is due to be completed by the summer of 2023.
It is expected The Ropes will be sold off-plan to homeowners and investors looking to buy a uniquely designed home in an attractive, historic location on the banks of the Tyne. The properties are coming to market via Newcastle estate agent Hive Estates – who are already taking registrations of interest.
