Grant set to pave the way for further Sunniside success

GRANT SET TO PAVE THE WAY FOR FURTHER SUNNISIDE SUCCESS

More than £2 million of improvements are to be made to streets and public spaces in an historic area of Sunderland following approval by the city council.

Over the next two years areas within Sunniside will receive better lighting, paving, street furniture, links to other areas of the city and new art installations as a result of the plans.

The £2.2 million upgrade, which is being funded through One NorthEast, will affect six priority streets in the area. It will follow the creation of the multi award-winning Sunniside Gardens, which have breathed new life into the once tired city quarter since completion in December 2006.

Spearheading the regeneration of Sunniside is the Sunniside Partnership, supported by Sunderland City Council, urban regeneration company Sunderland arc, English Partnerships and One NorthEast.

Sunniside Partnership has appointed the team behind Sunniside Gardens, Robinson Landscape Design, to lead on the project’s design. The plans received the green light from the city council’s Cabinet earlier this summer and will go out to public consultation later this summer.

Councillor Paul Watson, chairman of Sunniside Partnership, said: “The main aim of the project is to deliver high quality street work improvements, which demonstrate a commitment to Sunniside as a destination within the city.

“The works will maintain and enhance the character and conservation status of the area and encourage private sector investment.”

The completion of Sunniside Gardens has already attracted new, quality businesses to the area including a business and conference centre, bars, restaurants and cafes. The hope is that further work in the priority streets of Sunniside will encourage more city users into the heart of Sunniside.

Ben Hall, director of Sunniside Partnership, said: “The public realm improvements are a key ongoing project for the area. Improving the streets and pavements will complement and reflect the ongoing investment and regeneration work in Sunniside and will play a major part in lifting the economic regeneration of the area.”

Tom Robinson, of Robinson Landscape Design, said: “The project is intended to promote a safe, connected and attractive public realm that draws on the history of the area and the current Sunniside Gardens to provide a more attractive environment.

“It will make Sunniside more accessible from surrounding areas, creating strong linkages. It will create a place where people are engaged in activities, a place that is comfortable and sociable.”