TENDERS have been issued to secure new contractors at the former Vaux brewery site on Wearside.

Construction work was halted in January this year following the collapse of Carillion Construction, the company appointed to complete the site’s first building.

Sunderland City Council and its development partner, Siglion, have completed legal formalities and Carillion’s construction contract has been officially terminated and a tender process with other contractors has now begun.

An announcement about site work starting again is expected to be made in coming weeks.

Councillor Harry Trueman, leader of Sunderland City Council, said there had been a lot of work behind the scenes on getting new tenders drafted as soon as possible.

He said: “Though the news of Carillion’s collapse was a set-back, this has only served to galvanise the city in its determination to deliver job creating development at Vaux.

“Vaux has always been a flagship site and many have described it as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

“This development is one about expanding the footprint of our city centre, and bringing more jobs and economic prosperity to Sunderland.”

The council acquired the site, which overlooks the River Wear, from supermarket chain Tesco in 2011 and spent two years preparing the land for development by removing contaminated materials and demolition.

In 2013 and 2015, a major re-shaping and re-modelling of the city centre was completed with the creation of the Keel Square and St Mary’s Boulevard.

Long-term plans remain to develop the former brewery site into a new business district to create more city centre jobs, offices and pedestrian traffic.

The aim is to improve perceptions of Sunderland city centre for shoppers, businesses, and residents, and bring more investment.

Cllr Trueman said: “Vaux is a site we have fought to deliver.

“We know it will bring about a step-change in our city centre and, teamed with other city developments, we are all pleased to be getting back on-track.”