New Sunderland train station faces difficulty finding tenants for retail spaces after opening in December 2023.
Vandalism damaged the toilets and also the lifts. Staff cleaning the station got harassed too. The station has three empty retail spaces. These units are still vacant since opening day.
This became a topic at a city council meeting. One critic called the station an “empty, dirty glass box”. The council leader said it’s not their problem. Network Rail owns it and Northern Trains manages it. However, the council is helping Northern Trains find tenants.
Northern Trains wants to fill the retail spaces. Agents seek interest from local and national businesses. They are advertising serviced units and pop-up spots. Signs at the station also advertise available units.
They want diverse, quality shops for customers. This could include food, drinks and some services. The two units facing Waterloo Street could combine. Leases can be between three and six years long. They might offer rent-free periods to help new businesses get started.
A coffee tuk-tuk once served drinks there. It was near the Waterloo Street entrance. The tuk-tuk is now stored inside the retail unit. But that unit remains empty and is being marketed. Finding the right shop owners is still happening.
Northern Trains said they want tenants there. They have agents looking, but no deal yet. Flexible lease terms are available. They will keep working with the council. They hope to attract suitable stores to the station.
