Scouts Set Up New Camp in Sunniside

Sunderland scouts are celebrating their centenary year in style by moving into a new HQ in one of the city’s regeneration areas.

Sunderland District Scout Association will open up its new doors in Foyle Street, Sunniside this weekend. (OCT28)

The organisation has been on the lookout for new premises after its previous location in Grange Crescent became too costly to run.

Grants of £60,000 from Sunniside Partnership, £17,000 from Gentoo and £2,500 from the Scout Association Treloar Fund have enabled the development of the new premises to accommodate better facilities including disabled access and disabled toilets and an IT suite. Gentoo assisted the Scout Association’s purchase of its new property at Foyle Street and bought the Grange Cresent premises to help fund the move.

Sunniside is currently undergoing a huge transformation, with more and more new businesses moving to the up-and-coming area.

District Commissioner Jeff Ledger said: “We are delighted to be marking this special centenary year in a new, exciting home. Sunniside was an ideal location for us as it has a new vibrancy about the area, with lots of activity taking place in a pleasant environment.

“The new three-storey extension is very in-keeping with the area and accessible to all. Around 560 members will be able to take advantage of the new facilities. We will be using the new space for meeting rooms and administration as well as holding activities there for youngsters.

“We are extremely grateful to Sunniside Partnership and Gentoo for their support. Without their financial contribution this would not have been possible.”

Sunniside Partnership has been spearheading the regeneration of the city quarter since its establishment in 2003. The commercial property grant scheme has been helping owners and tenants to give a new lease of life to their business premises. TyneWear Partnership through One NorthEast has contributed just over £1million to the grant scheme as part of its ongoing investment plan. So far Sunniside Partnership has supported 23 grant applications.

Chairman of Sunniside Partnership, Bob Symonds, said: “The new Sunderland District Scout Association HQ is a welcome addition to what is fast becoming a thriving and diverse area of the city.

“Through the grants we have been able to help improve existing businesses and encourage new ones to the area, establishing the right balance in Sunniside.”