A key housing development in Sunderland city centre has hit a milestone with the external envelope of the first cluster of 18 houses now in place, following completion of the roofing, cladding and window installations.
In September 2025, Cramlington-based Compass Developments was appointed by igloo Regeneration to deliver 34 homes within the Vaux Neighbourhood at Riverside Sunderland.
The homes include 16 innovative and sustainable properties inspired by award-winning designs produced by igloo Regeneration, Open Studios and Mawson Kerr for the Government’s Home of 2030 design competition.
Compass has confirmed that the first cluster of 18 properties are now watertight meaning interior fit outs can continue at pace without weather delays.
The homes are part of the award-winning Riverside Sunderland regeneration project which is funded through the Housing Growth Partnership and a Research and Development grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the delivery of the development.
Stephen O’Neill, director at Compass Developments, said: “These homes set new benchmarks for sustainable, healthy, attractive, and future-ready living and provide a unique city centre housing and lifestyle offer.
“Completion of the external envelope to achieve weathertightness is a significant stage of the development and we’re well on track to complete our work next year.”
The development, which has been called The Maxim, as an ode to the old Vaux Brewery which previously occupied the site, is located between The Beam and the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital and will include two-and three-bedroom townhouses and maisonettes. The first phase will be complete in early 2027. More details can be found on themaximvaux.com.
In total, 133 new homes will be built on the former Vaux site, and the ambitious Riverside Sunderland masterplan, led by Sunderland City Council, aims to double the city centre population from 2,500 to 5,000 while creating 10,000 new jobs.
Michelle Williams, project director at igloo Regeneration, said: “Reaching this stage is an important milestone for the Vaux neighbourhood and a visible sign of the progress being made at Riverside Sunderland.
“These homes have been designed to build communities and support the way people want to live, providing easy access to green space, local amenities and the city centre. As construction continues, we’re starting to see that vision take shape, creating a new neighbourhood that will help shape Sunderland’s future while delivering sustainable, high-quality homes for residents.”
Based in Cramlington, Compass Developments delivers construction and development projects across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, specialising in schemes up to £10 million in value. It provides full lifecycle support, including feasibility assessments, design management, project planning, and construction delivery. Its growth in recent years has been fuelled by repeat business, long-term client partnerships and a reputation for transparent communication, practical problem-solving, and consistent project outcomes.