Sunniside
This is a prominent, tight knit, urban area in the eastern part of the city centre, containing many historic buildings. Aspirations for this area include its designation as a mixed-use urban quarter, attracting new development and uses and improving the existing linkages and urban landscape through a conservation-led regeneration strategy working with the historic fabric and urban grain. Sunniside Partnership was set up by One NorthEast, English Partnerships, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland arc in 2003 to oversee and co-ordinate the implementation of a portfolio of projects to achieve the regeneration of Sunniside under the direction of a dedicated Project Director.
Sunniside Partnership has an investment target of £130m over its 15-year lifespan.
Sunniside is ideally located to become a recognised business location, primarily for small businesses, professional consultancies, media and other creative activities. A strong and sizeable business community, capable of contributing to the vibrancy of Sunniside during the day and early evening will blend with a niche retail market, with the emphasis on design, fashion, art, antiques and ‘lifestyle' products. This activity will draw visitors from the wider City area and further afield, attracted by its uniqueness and variety.
A key project for Sunniside Partnership was the creation of Sunniside Gardens. This £2m public open space was completed in March 2007 and has become the heart of this revitalised, cultural, city quarter. A £6m arts and business centre, thePlace, is also due for completion in summer 2008, providing new artist studios, gallery and office space as well as a cafe/restaurant. The transition Sunniside has been undergoing has proved a huge draw for artists, with rolling art projects taking place in and around the gardens.
Further public realm improvements are planned and the new draft Sunniside Planning and Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) went out to consultation in February 2008. The SPD provides an investment framework for the public and private sector and will underpin any future compulsory purchase strategy. This SPD is being supported by funding to acquire key properties within the area.
The Sunniside Commercial Property Grant Scheme offers grant assistance for the restoration, refurbishment and new works to commercial properties. There has been a noticeableincrease in enquiries following the completion of the Sunniside Gardens project.
Proposal:
- 2.83 Ha. Brownfield land regenerated
- Approximately 500 new jobs
- New Homes
- New offices
- Hotel & Leisure space
- Retail, food & drink
Sunniside Aerial
thePlace
Sunniside Gardens
Offices at Sunniside