Sunderland's city centre 'will be transformed' with new million-pound investment plans

Sunderland business leaders have welcomed an announcement of more than £0.5bn of investment into the city centre.

A city business group, that has members from across Wearside and beyond, has backed plans for £500m of investment, that will ‘breathe new life’ into Sunderland’s town centre. 

Members of Sunderland Business Partnership (SBP) believe the investment will stimulate a more ‘vibrant’ city centre, that will become an economic driver for the whole city.

The SBP collective has more than 50 members from, and with a strong interest in Sunderland.

Ellen Thinnesen, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership and chief executive of Education Partnership North East, said: “As an organisation that, only a matter of years ago, invested more than £48m on capital development including a new city centre campus, we know the transformative impact that investment can have.

“So, when we consider a combined investment of more than £500m, it’s clear that this will - as the council described - be game-changing for Sunderland.

“As a college, we want to see Sunderland further develop because that’s good for everyone. It’s good for young people in the city, it’s good for the wider community, and it’s good for business and the economy. We absolutely welcome this city centre investment.”

A CGI of the new City Hall site in Sunderland.

The plan has also been backed by Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID).

The emerging city centre vision will build on the reemerging VAUX site, according to Sunderland City Council, and transform the heart of the city into a place that civic bosses say will become the ‘economic and cultural driver’ that Sunderland deserves.

Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at the BID, also commented on the news: “The city centre plans are hugely positive for Sunderland.

“Investment will make a huge difference and alongside the work we are doing to not only promote the place, but to ensure it is as clean and vibrant an environment as possible, means it will be an increasingly attractive place for people to shop, eat, drink and enjoy.”

Tony Davison, managing director of Sunderland AFC, added: “The city centre vision has the potential to transform the entire feel of Sunderland city centre and will provide a huge shot in the arm to local businesses.

“We’ve met with representatives from Sunderland City Council on a number of occasions since we came to the club last year and they’ve been extremely welcoming and open to hearing our feedback on the city vision.

“The construction of the footbridge will have a huge impact on us as a club. It will make it easier for fans to get to and from the Stadium of Light, improving the matchday experience and bringing us closer to local businesses. It’s a very exciting time for the city.”

The city centre vision fits into a wider city programme of investment of more than £1.5bn, and is part of a new plan, led by the city council, to create a better city by 2030.

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