Sunderland’s ambitious £2billion regeneration programme set to transform city
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The city of Sunderland is undergoing the most transformational city-wide regeneration programme in decades following private sector investments totalling over £2billion.
Developments include Riverside Sunderland, International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), the £20million redevelopment of Houghton Colliery, and the Smart City project and next generation 5G mobile infrastructure rollout.
Riverside Sunderland is one of the UK’s most ambitious projects and is set to create 1,000 homes, and 1 million square feet of offices and workspace for 8,000-10,000 quality jobs.
The multi-phase, mixed-use development is transforming Sunderland city centre, led by significant commercial, leisure, public sector and residential developments. The city’s historic industrial heart will be reinvented as an extraordinary place to live, a dynamic business location, and a vibrant focus for community life and culture.
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Last month marked five years since I joined Sunderland City Council and it’s remarkable to reflect on just how much the face of the city has changed.
“Over the past few years, we’ve attracted over £2billion in investment for various projects across the city which will transform Sunderland’s skyline forever.
“Take Riverside Sunderland, the project is breathing new life into the former Vaux site, Sheepfolds, Farringdon Row and Galley’s Gill.
“Backed by Legal & General and Canada Life, the development will see 1,000 homes and 1 million square feet of offices built in the heart of the city, as well as new public realm and a host of vibrant leisure venues.”
Riverside Sunderland includes Maker and Faber, two Legal & General-backed buildings which together will create 150,000 sq ft of office space, and the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA). The groundbreaking academy, which is backed by Sunderland College and TV architect George Clarke, will educate, train and upskill local people to create innovative factory-built homes.
Culture House is set to be a vibrant, dynamic and engaging space for all, and will recognise the city’s rich history and heritage, while inspiring a passion for learning and knowledge. The Sheepfolds development includes a vibrant new venue, offering bespoke food, drinks and entertainment.
Other developments include new Enterprise Zones at Port of Sunderland, the seafront improvement programme and National Esports Performance Campus. The campus’ multi-purpose arena space, situated in front of the Stadium of Light, will feature the latest in digital and computing technology, including a 100-seater esports arena, training rooms and broadcast facilities.
The £31million “Smart Bridge” will improve links to the Stadium of Light and Sunderland University’s St Peter’s Campus. Smartphone users will be able to see virtual displays that council bosses say will create “an experience that will really bring to life the city’s digital ambitions”.
IAMP includes a designated Enterprise Zone and a £1billion flagship Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub, creating a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem. Envision AESC, a world-leading battery producer and long-standing partner of Nissan, will build the new 9GWh-capacity gigafactory, equipped with state of the art battery technology and its own renewable energy microgrid.
Sunderland’s highly anticipated £26million redevelopment of the train station is due to be completed in October this year, the project is part of the wider £100million transformation plans for the city’s main transport hub.
The arrival of FulwellCain Studios’ £450million Crown Works Studio also promises huge economic growth, with plans to create 8,450 jobs over the next 10 years. Upon completion, the scheme could generate £336million for the local economy every year.
Patrick said: “None of this would ever have been possible had it not been for the support of our partners. We’ve made a real conscious effort over recent years to work more closely with both the private and public sectors to help us shape the city’s future and this has been key to our success so far.
“Organisations such as the North East England Chamber of Commerce, for example, have been a real asset to help us engage the wider regional business community and shine a light on just how the regeneration of Sunderland is helping make the entire region a better place to live, work and play.”
He continued: “Increased engagement with native businesses such as Tombola, Hays Travel, BDN and Fulwell 73 has not only helped retain some of our most successful homegrown businesses, but also provide the infrastructure and talent they need to continue investing and growing here.
“And with even more investment committed to the city and more cranes set to dominate the city’s skyline over the coming months and years, I think we can safely say that the best is yet to come, so watch this space.”
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “Sunderland’s regeneration programme is set to bring tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs to the region, as well as world-leading digital connectivity, over 10,000 homes fit for the future, and significant investment in the creative and advanced manufacturing sectors.
“The North East has an incredibly skilled workforce and local partners, including the Chamber, are very eager to provide support for this transformational programme.”