TRANSFORMATION of the former Vaux brewery site in Sunderland - and plans for a cliff-face restaurant - are pressing ahead.

Sunderland City Council has approved the planning application for phase one of the development submitted by Siglion, which was put together after consultation with the local community.

The project is the first of five locations around the city that will be redeveloped as part of a once in a generation £100 million-plus programme.

Work is due to get under way in the summer on the first phase of the Vaux development to revamp a site that has stood vacant for 17 years.

At the heart of the plans is a 60,000 sq ft building - the first speculative office space to be built in Sunderland for many years.

Siglion chief executive, John Seager, said: “We are excited to be finally beginning our work to breathe new life into the Vaux site, which has been empty for almost 17 years since the brewery closed.

“This is such a focal point for Sunderland and its position at the entrance to the city centre is hugely important to how people coming into Sunderland perceive the city.

“This truly is a flagship development for the city, which will bring employment and money into Sunderland’s economy, both during the construction phase and in the longer term.”

Sunderland City Council also granted outline planning permission for Siglion’s masterplan for the 5.5 hectare Vaux site, to include streets, shops, cafes and restaurants with public spaces providing views of the River Wear and Sunderland’s bridges.

It includes ideas to develop a destination restaurant set partially in the cliff-face and around 200 homes with riverside views. The site will be connected with new pedestrian access to St Mary’s Way and the development of a new pathway along the cliff-edge.

Siglion chair, Neil McMillan, said: “We worked hard in consultation with local stakeholders to create a transformational masterplan for Vaux, and I believe that’s what we have achieved. We are committed to building a terrific place for people in Sunderland to work, live and enjoy for generations to come.”