Traders Team Up to Shout About City Jem.

Evening businesses in the historic part of Sunderland city centre have joined forces to promote the area and encourage more visitors into the regenerated quarter.

The rejuvenation of Sunniside has helped attract a wealth of new businesses to the area, which is home to 160 listed buildings. It has played a key role in Sunderland’s commercial and cultural life over the years and is currently benefiting from an ambitious regeneration programme led by Sunniside Partnership.

Now evening traders want to do their bit for the area, including adopting a zero tolerance on anti-social behaviour.

An Evening Economy Group has been set up by Sunniside Partnership and City Centre Management, who will be rolling the concept out to daytime traders too.

The meetings give businesses the opportunity to share ideas and meet key figures that can offer support. Regular updates are also given on important developments in the area.

Louise Hardy, city centre manager, said: “The response from businesses so far has been extremely positive. Everyone is struggling at the moment because of the economic difficulties and this forum is giving businesses the opportunity to communicate with each other and come up with collective ways of promoting themselves and the area.

Ben Hall, director of Sunniside Partnership, said: “A lot is happening in Sunniside and there is still so much to come. We want to attract more visitors to this beautiful part of the city centre and enjoy what it has to offer, whether it be the award-winning gardens, top quality bars, cafés and restaurants, niche shops, the cinema or the fantastic new bowling alley which is opening soon.”

Inspector Neal Craig of Northumbria Police said: “It is really encouraging to see communities like this coming together to improve and promote an area. It also provides us with a means of speaking directly to businesses, updating them on police activity and listening to their concerns.

“We recognise that Sunniside is a place that should be enjoyed and should offer a pleasant and safe experience and so we are encouraging members to contact us immediately if they witness any form of anti-social behaviour.”

Sunniside Partnership was set up by Sunderland arc, Sunderland City Council, One NorthEast and English Partnerships in 2003 and has already attracted over £90 million of its £130 million investment target.
A new £6m arts and business centre, thePlace, is the latest addition to the area’s exciting regeneration programme. It offers performance space, art exhibition areas, a soon to open café, meeting rooms and a range of offices.