COUNCILLORS have approved plans for a new headquarters and public sector hub on Sunderland’s Vaux site.

Last year, Sunderland City Council announced plans to replace their current HQ, off Burdon Road, with a smaller, more cost-effective base.

The planned move involves 1,200 council staff relocating and sharing space with public sector partners at the new site.

Following the approval of a business case by cabinet, a final decision was made on Monday today by the the council’s area development control sub-committee.

A report, drafted by planning officers, painted a positive picture of the scheme noting that the benefits outweigh any negative impacts.

Despite concerns from some councillors, the plans were given the go-ahead with work expected to start on site later this year.

But Coun Alex Scullion, speaking at Sunderland Civic Centre, raised concerns about the design, describing it as “almost brutalist”.

Director of planning firm Cundall, Ian Cansfield, speaking on behalf of Siglion, said the building was created with “sustainability and high quality design at its core.”

He added:“Overall there are no issues associated with the development which would prevent its approval.

“The benefits of the application will provide the provision of high quality business space and continued regeneration of the Vaux site.”

City leaders have said the project is set to deliver net operational savings of more than £22million over 25 years compared with the council staying in the current civic centre – which is set to become obsolete in the next five years.

Increased demand from partners to take space in the building has also seen its size increase by a third – reflected in a revised £61million cost.

Following discussion, the plans were carried by a majority vote with Conservative councillor, Michael Dixon, voting against the plans.

The Vaux Brewery closed in 1999 bringing more than 150 years of brewing history to an end in the region.

After remaining dormant for almost two decades, planning permission was granted for the £20million office space on the site, The Beam, which is set to welcome its first tenants this year.

Plans for the wider Vaux development also include office, hotel, restaurant and exhibition centre uses, parking and public realm spaces.