Sunniside On The Up

Businesses in an historic quarter of Sunderland city centre are being given a new lease of life thanks to the success of a commercial grant scheme.

Owners and developers are improving properties in Sunniside with the help of commercial property grants of up to £60,000 from the Sunniside Partnership in conjunction with Sunderland City Council, creating a new buzz about the area.

Theresa Smith runs Norfolk Clinic on Norfolk Street, Sunniside. The business, which offers counselling, hypnotherapy and reflexology, was recently awarded a grant towards a much-needed refurbishment for the 200-year-old building.

Ms Smith said: “The building dates back to 1803 and the windows have not been replaced in all that time. The grant enabled me to carry out extensive renovations to the building, including new sash windows and glazing, and has improved the image of the property and the business. It has also freed up more floor space for retail and commercial use.

“I fully support the work of Sunniside Partnership. Without its help I would not have been able to make these vital improvements.”

TyneWear Partnership through One NorthEast has contributed just under £1million to the grant scheme as part of its ongoing investment plan. So far Sunniside Partnership has awarded £448,954 in grants, supporting 18 businesses. Further grant support of £177,000 is due over the next four months.

The Heritage Lottery Fund in partnership with Sunderland City Council was the first scheme to offer grant assistance in the Sunniside area, contributing £1.2 million to the initiative. The current grant scheme has built on the hard work and success of the Sunniside Townscape Heritage Initiative, where projects assisted have included the former Post Office Sorting Office and the East side of Foyle Street. Particular attention is paid to re-instating the architectural detail that the area is renowned for.

Chairman of Sunniside Partnership, Bob Symonds, said: “There is a lack of good quality office space in the city and while Sunderland arc is addressing the large floor plan office, we can offer the smaller spaces needed by a different type of smaller business.

“Through the grants we can also help improve existing businesses and encourage them to continue trading in the area. This means we can get the balance right in Sunniside.”

Gordon Brown Associates in West Sunniside has been offering legal services for 22 years. The solicitors firm has recently received a £30,000 cash boost towards the refurbishment of its basement to make way for a new estate agency side to the business, which will create five new jobs.

Partner Moya Mason said: “There are real benefits to having the estate agency on the same site as the solicitors. The grant money has helped transform our dingy basement into a spacious, beautifully lit office. It has been a great help.”

Sunniside Partnership is supported by Sunderland City Council, English Partnerships, One NorthEast, Sunderland arc, TyneWear Partnership and Government Office North East.

Further information is available from the Sunniside Partnership office on (0191) 567 4822.