Stadium Park/Sheepfolds

Stadium Village will form the initial phase of a combined mixed-use leisure led development, which extends to a total area of 25 ha (62 acres) excluding the 48,000-seater Stadium of Light. Sunderland arc has taken the lead in developing the area on behalf of the principal landowner One North East and will work closely with strategic partners including Sunderland AFC and the University of Sunderland.

The new Sunderland Aquatic Centre, comprising a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool and wellness centre opened in April 2008. Further proposals include a hotel and other substantive sports and leisure facilities.

A draft Development Framework was subject to widespread public consultation in early 2009. It is due to be formally adopted by Sunderland City Council as a SPD in summer 2009.

In the meantime Sunderland arc is in discussions with several interested leisure operators with a view to securing a major sports facility within Stadium Village. Site assembly is ongoing; a significant site acquisition was completed in November 2008 to assist delivery of development proposals, and negotiations are also progressing with other acquisitions in the area.