Sunniside

Two regeneration projects in the heart of Sunderland’s historic city quarter – Sunniside - have been honoured at prestigious award ceremonies in the region.

On Thursday night thePlace – a new £6m arts and business centre which is home to exhibition space, a café, meeting rooms, artist’s studios and a range of offices – won The Journal Landmark Award for Best Office Development. And on Friday evening Sunniside Gardens picked up the latest in a series of accolades - a Commendation from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) at its North East Region Awards for Planning Achievement.

Since opening in 2007 Sunniside Gardens have transformed what was once a rundown part of the city centre. The Gardens were designed by consultants Robinson Landscape Design and funded by TyneWear Partnership and English Partnerships as part of ambitious plans by Sunniside Partnership to rejuvenate the area.

Earlier this year the Gardens won the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) North East Renaissance Award in the category of regeneration and were also Highly Commended at last year’s Landscape Institute Awards. The engineering firm that built the Gardens, Seymour of Hartlepool, also received a commendation at last year’s Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East Awards.
The Journal Landmark Awards recognise and reward the cream of the region’s building industry, highlighting initiatives and developments which represent the very best in concept, design and construction. Independently judged by an experienced panel, they have recognised some of the most high profile buildings in the region.

Located in an area which is home to over 160 listed buildings, thePlace comprises a new build complex and six refurbished grade II listed buildings. The rich history and character of Sunniside is commemorated in stunning glass louvers installed on the outside of the building, designed by local artist Kathryn Hodgkinson.

Cllr Paul Watson, Chairman of Sunniside Partnership and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The recognition brought by The Journal Landmark Awards and the RTPI is a prestigious acknowledgement of the progress being made in transforming this historic corner of the city centre into an area of unique appeal to visitors, residents and businesses alike.”

Sunniside Partnership was set up in 2003 by Sunderland City Council, Sunderland arc, English Partnerships and One NorthEast with additional support from TyneWear Partnership.