Riverside Sunderland Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) is a groundbreaking infrastructure project; setting a quality standard for infrastructure that can drive urban regeneration. Designed by Tonkin Liu and Ryder Architecture and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, this state-of-the-art facility goes beyond parking to enhance the cityscape, support economic growth, and integrate advanced digital technology.
The car park has 657 spaces over 11 split levels including 49 accessible spaces, 115 EV charging bays, motorcycle and cycle storage and has already been recognised as one of the UK’s Best New Car Parks by the BPA. Winning Infrastructure Project of the Year at the Architect’s Journal Awards, this visionary development is a blueprint for future city infrastructure, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics with sustainable construction, digital innovation and community impact.
Three Winning Facts:
- Sustainability: Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Living walls comprising 50,000 plants, improve air quality and biodiversity. Closed irrigation, rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, dynamic lighting, passive ventilation and SuDS all demonstrate a rigorous commitment to carbon reduction.
- Digital Innovation: An intelligent smart parking system streamlines payments, provides online pre-booking options and minimises congestion and emissions. The car park houses 5G technology throughout, while dynamic irrigation and EV charging systems further optimise energy use, enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Economic & Social Value: The project supports 10,000 jobs, 1,000 new homes and serves as a gateway to Sunderland’s regeneration. Inclusion of accessible toilets and a registered changing place ensures access for all to the new Community.
