Sunniside Gardens Scoop Another Top Award

New gardens that have transformed an historic area of Sunderland city centre have scooped a top award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The £2 million Sunniside Gardens won the RICS North East Renaissance Award in the category of Regeneration at a special ceremony in Newcastle on Friday. The project will now go on to compete at the national awards later this year.

This is the latest in a string of accolades awarded to the Gardens, which were officially opened in March 2007. Last year the project was Highly Commended at the distinguished Landscape Institute Awards, and the principle contractor that constructed the gardens, Seymour (Civil Engineering Contractors) Ltd, also received a commendation at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East Awards.
Sunniside Gardens have breathed new life into a formerly run-down area. The showpiece gardens, designed by Robinson Landscape Design, are at the heart of a £130 million regeneration scheme currently under way in Sunniside.

Director of Sunniside Partnership, Ben Hall, said: “This is another major coup for this fantastic project and we are delighted for everyone involved. It is further recognition by experts that this is a scheme of national quality.

“Sunniside Gardens has made such a positive difference to the area and we hope to build on this success with the forthcoming opening of thePlace arts and business centre and further public realm improvements. We have also unveiled exciting plans for east Sunniside, which will help really establish it as a distinctive and vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“Thanks must go to our partners Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast, Sunderland arc, English Partnerships and TyneWear Partnership and of course Robinson Landscape Design and Seymour, who have given us such a vital addition to Sunniside and something that everyone can be proud of.”

Funded by TyneWear Partnership and English Partnerships and owned and maintained by Sunderland City Council, the aim of Sunniside Gardens is to offer a place for visitors and residents to relax and enjoy just a few steps away from the main hustle and bustle of the city. The Gardens feature dancing fountains and artwork.