They’re coming out of the walls! (Plants, that is)

Sunderland’s constantly growing green credentials continue – even when it is unveiling a giant new car park in the centre of the city.

The soon-to-be-opened 650-space Farringdon Row multi-storey car park is a monument not just to the car and the van but also to the city’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Residents who have watched the impressive superstructure emerge over Galley’s Gill in recent months can now marvel at two giant living walls which have been constructed using more than 50,000 plants!

Growing up the north and south sides of the car park, the eye-catching walls span a huge 6,000 sq ft.

Designed to drive down carbon emissions and mitigate pollution, the walls were designed by ANS Group and will form part of a stunning new gateway to the Riverside, Sunderland development.

The walls feature 51,000 plants in total, including Carex Pendula (for habitat and insects), Ulex Europass (for pollination) and Cotoneaster sue (for berries and birds), some of which are native to Britain and were chosen for their ability to thrive in the local climate.

Steve McIntyre, urban environmental consultant at ANS, said: “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the design of this project, which will not only see Riverside Sunderland bloom, but also play a huge role in helping the city achieve its ambitious low carbon ambitions.

“It is a perfect example of how development can be both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable and we have been blown away by the reception from the public so far. The project has been a real joy to be involved in.”

The new multi-storey car park is part of development which will see over one million sq ft of office space brought to market, a state-of-the-art eye hospital and the construction of thousands of homes, significantly increasing the city centre population.

It is expected the car park, which will officially open to the public over the coming months, will operate outside of normal working hours to support the evening economy in the city centre and will operate through a combination of pre-paid permits and paid parking.

Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The living wall is yet another stunning addition to our city centre and we are absolutely thrilled to see it finally take shape.

“Standing atop Galley’s Gill, it will help the new car park blend into its natural surroundings while reducing emissions by, literally, breathing new life into the atmosphere.

“It will also serve as a gateway to Riverside Sunderland, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and green living, while reinforcing the message to residents and visitors alike that Sunderland really fixated on becoming a city of the future.”