Published on: 20 February 2026
Construction of Sunderland’s new Eye Hospital continues at pace with the landmark facility on track to open in summer 2026.
In recent weeks, the project has reached several major milestones. External hoardings have now been removed, offering the public their first full view of the new hospital taking shape in the city centre.
With the main structure now complete, work is advancing inside the building. Installation of the central staircase is underway, marking the start of an exciting new phase as internal spaces begin to take shape.
The new Emergency Department on the ground floor has been fully decorated, featuring forest green walls designed to create a welcoming and calming environment for patients.
The department will also include a dedicated children’s waiting area, offering a more comfortable and reassuring space for younger patients and their families.
As a centre of excellence for ophthalmology, the new hospital has been designed to lead the way in creating accessible spaces that can be easily used and confidently navigated by everyone, including those with visual impairments.
The colour scheme was developed by architects working closely with the clinical design team and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), drawing inspiration from the changing seasons in the nearby Galleys Gill parkland.
To support navigation, colours and large signage will be placed across the building. Each level has a dominant colour which is reinforced at key waiting areas and around the lifts.
These include a calming forest green on the ground floor, vibrant lime green on the first floor, uplifting yellow on the second floor and bold orange on the third.
Externally, work is underway on the new car parking area, which will provide 90 parking bays for patients and visitors including seven accessible spaces.
Over the next month, further developments will take place including the installation of the cycle shelter, tarmacking of roads and parking bays, paving in the external area and final decoration on the upper floors.
Constructed by Kier Construction, the project is a collaboration between South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and Sunderland City Council.
Ken Bremner MBE, Chief Executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"It’s fantastic to see the new hospital coming to life and we’re excited to welcome patients into a more comfortable and accessible environment. This new facility is a major step forward for our services and reflects the exceptional care our teams deliver every day.
"It’s a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional care for our communities."
Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council.
He said:
"It’s fantastic to see such rapid progress at the Eye Hospital, as the building closes in on completion.
"Looking around the building, you get a real sense of how this world-class hospital will feel when it is alive with patients, families and staff when it opens in the summer."
The project, which broke ground in December 2023, represents a major step forward in strengthening specialist care for the region.
Once open, it will house all the current clinical services offered from Queen Alexandra Road site and form a key part of the Sunderland Riverside regeneration scheme.
Alongside the build, STS Charity, which is run by the Trust, is leading the Vision Appeal. This aims to raise funds to improve patient care and invest in enhanced equipment above and beyond what the NHS can fund.
To stay up to date with the Riverside Sunderland development, visit: www.riversidesunderland.co.uk
For more information or to donate to the Vision Appeal visit this page: Vision Appeal
