Falcon Fox Developments has been appointed as principal contractor for the flagship Vaux Housing development in Sunderland, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the city centre.

The contract award follows a competitive public procurement process led by Sunderland City Council and Siglion Developments LLP, with the scheme forming part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme delivered in collaboration with public and private sector partners.

The Vaux Housing scheme is a new residential neighbourhood within Riverside Sunderland, delivering high-quality homes as part of the wider regeneration of the former Vaux brewery site.

Falcon Fox Developments is a North East-based company delivering construction and civil engineering projects across the region, with a strong focus on regeneration, residential development and social value-led delivery. The business works closely with public and private sector clients and supply chain partners to support sustainable development and maximise local economic benefit through employment and procurement opportunities.

The company is delivering the residential-led phase of the Vaux scheme, which comprises two landmark apartment blocks, alongside residential clusters of high-density housing and maisonettes.

The apartment blocks consist of 41 apartments and 2 commercial units. The cluster of maisonettes and houses complete the scheme, delivering a total of 93 sustainable homes across the wider development.

The development has been designed with a strong focus on sustainability and long-term energy performance. Low-carbon technologies include photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, supporting Sunderland’s wider net zero ambitions.

Riverside Sunderland includes complementary developments across leisure, hospitality and residential uses, including Sheepfolds across the River Wear, which is being developed as a destination for housing, hospitality and leisure. The new Specialist Eye Hospital opened on 11 July and Culture House, which is anticipated to open in summer 2026.

Construction is progressing across the site, with remediation and major civil engineering works now complete and structural frames advancing across multiple phases.

A strong emphasis has also been placed on social value and local economic impact, with the project supporting employment opportunities for people across the North East, including Sunderland, Billingham and Houghton-le-Spring. A wide range of regional subcontractors and suppliers have also been engaged to ensure investment is retained within the local economy.

Falcon Fox Developments has prioritised local leadership on site, with both site management and project management roles filled by professionals from the Sunderland area, alongside a wider workforce drawn from across the region.

Ritchie Wharton, director at Falcon Fox Developments, said: “Being appointed to deliver the flagship residential element of the Vaux development is a significant milestone for us and a real privilege. This is a landmark scheme for Sunderland, and we are proud to be playing a role in shaping a sustainable, high-quality new neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

“Our focus has been on delivering genuine social value throughout, from creating local employment opportunities to working with North East supply chain partners wherever possible. This project reflects our commitment to investing in the communities we work in and supporting long-term regeneration across the region.”