BBS Natural Stone for Keel Crossing & Sheepfolds Public Realm Development, Sunderland

BBS Natural Stone Specialists are proud to have supplied a range of high-quality natural stone materials for two significant regeneration projects in Sunderland — the Keel Crossing and the Sheepfolds Public Realm Development. Both form key elements of the city’s ambitious Riverside Sunderland urban regeneration programme, designed to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and the visual appeal of the area around the River Wear and the Stadium of Light.

The Keel Crossing is a new £31–44 million pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the River Wear in Sunderland. This landmark project provides a vital link between the city centre, the Sheepfolds area, and the Stadium of Light, improving connectivity for both residents and visitors.

BBS Natural Stone supplied a combination of durable and visually striking materials, including:

• City Blend Sandstone
• Mistral and Prata Dupla Portuguese Granites
• Italian Porphyry

These materials were used for paving, setts, kerbs, and bespoke benches, contributing to the bridge’s high-quality finish and long-term durability.

Client: Sunderland City Council
Main Contractor: Volker Stevin

Located adjacent to the Stadium of Light, the Sheepfolds Public Realm Development is a £5.7 million project delivered by Esh Construction in partnership with Sunderland City Council. This scheme focused on creating high-quality public realm spaces, enhancing critical infrastructure, and linking seamlessly with the new Keel Crossing to support future development in the area.

BBS supplied a consistent palette of natural stone materials, including City Blend Sandstone and a mix of European granites, ensuring design continuity between the two major projects. The result is a cohesive and attractive streetscape that flows naturally from the Keel Crossing up to the Stadium of Light.

Client: Sunderland City Council
Main Contractor: Esh Construction
Paving Contractor: P&M Paving

Together, the Keel Crossing and Sheepfolds developments demonstrate how carefully selected natural stone can bring cohesion, durability, and visual harmony to large-scale urban regeneration projects. Through thoughtful material selection and collaboration with contractors and designers, BBS Natural Stone helped deliver a unified aesthetic that enhances Sunderland’s evolving cityscape.