Silksworth Lane
Development
We are pleased to consult on proposals for two new supermarkets and a café drive-through unit at land east of Sainsbury’s on Silksworth Lane, Sunderland. It is anticipated that the development will provide a new M&S Foodhall, Aldi and a drive-through Starbucks, which would significantly enhance the range and choice of retail provision in this location. Following the closure of the M&S store on Sunderland high street, this development will ensure another M&S in Sunderland, creating a high quality, sustainable and accessible retail destination for all consumer needs.
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The scheme is led by PRZM Real Estate and delivered by GMI Construction Group PLC. They are keen to hear your views on its proposals.
Please complete a questionnaire on the
The Development will include
​2no. retail units comprising an:
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M&S Foodhall of c. 24,500 sqft
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Discount supermarket of c. 20,500 sqft
​1no. drive-thru café unit, comprising around 1800sqft​​
​​Access from a new roundabout spur off Silksworth Lane​
Around 275 car parking spaces including​​;
15 accessible spaces ​
15 parent and child spaces
Targeting 8 EV charging spaces
Site Masterplan
Click to enlarge
The Proposals
The site comprises land at Silksworth Lane, Sunderland. Land north-west of the development site comprises a Sainsburys supermarket, petrol filling station and The Range. Land to the east of the site comprises residential dwellings and land to the south-west of the site forms the Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope.
The proposals comprise of a M&S Foodhall, a discount supermarket and a coffee drive-through café, creating a modern, purpose built, high-quality retail destination.
The Benefits
There is currently a supermarket along Silksworth Lane in the form of a Sainsburys, however this development will increase the choice and variety of supermarkets available in this location. This includes another M&S in Sunderland, in the form of an M&S Foodhall. The proposals also include a drive-thru café unit on the site, enhancing the food and beverage provision in the local area. Overall, these proposals will help to enhance the accessibility and variety of retail facilities to local residents.
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The proposal would result in a range of benefits for the local area, as set out below:
Significantly enhancing the accessibility and availability of retail facilities for local residents
Incorporating hard and soft landscaping, as well as pedestrian linkages
Delivering improvements for biodiversity across the wider site
Incorporating a range of other energy efficiency features
Significant investment of over £15m in Sunderland, delivering benefits for local people both during construction and once the scheme opens
Long-term economic benefits through new jobs and local supply chain opportunities
Have Your Say
The deadline for comments has now passed.​​​
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The development will provide 2no. supermarkets (including an M&S Foodhall and Aldi) and 1no. café drive-through unit with associated landscaping, infrastructure and parking facilities.​​
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The input of local residents is key in helping us prepare a planning application, influence the design, and inform any changes so that the development benefits everyone.
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What Happens Next?
The image above illustrates how the development could look once completed. The design and appearance of the buildings could change following this consultation or comments from the Council on the proposals. Any comments on the proposals will be carefully considered before the proposals are finalised.
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We will work up our proposals for the site before a planning application is submitted in January 2026. The Council will also undertake statutory consultation before determining the application. We currently hope that the planning permission will be granted by summer 2026 and that the development could be open by Q4 2027.