thePlace to be says 'Landmark Awards'

A new showpiece £6m arts and business centre in the regenerated historic quarter of Sunderland city centre has scooped one of the region’s top building awards.

thePlace is home to exhibition space, a café, meeting rooms, artist’s studios and a range of offices and is the latest addition to Sunniside’s exciting regeneration programme and has just won the Best Office Development category at The Journal Landmark Awards.

Sunniside’s stunning Mowbray apartments - a £7.2million redevelopment by Gentoo Ventures and Napper Architects, which overlook Mowbray Park - won the Best Residential Development category and the £20m Sunderland Aquatic Centre, which is home to the region’s only Olympic-sized swimming pool, picked up another three awards for the city, including Landmark of the Year. In total, Sunderland scooped an impressive five of the seven award categories.

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 part of central Sunderland, 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 louvres installed on the outside of the building, which were designed by local artist Kathryn Hodgkinson. thePlace sits adjacent the multi award-winning Sunniside Gardens, which have themselves picked up a string of accolades since opening in March last year.

The venue, which is due to receive its official opening on November 10, is already home to a diverse range of businesses and will host a series of innovative exhibitions and events.

Spearheading the Sunniside regeneration is Sunniside Partnership, set up by Sunderland Council, Sunderland arc, English Partnerships and One NorthEast, with additional support from TyneWear Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). thePlace development was also funded by Heritage Lottery.

Ben Hall, director of Sunniside Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have picked up such a prestigious award for another of Sunniside’s regeneration projects.

“It is testament to all those who involved in thePlace and we are very proud of this unique and exciting building, which incorporates a part of Sunderland’s heritage.”

Cllr Paul Watson, Chairman of Sunniside Partnership and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are delighted that this innovative new building has been recognised by such a prestigious panel. It was a tremendous night for the people of Sunderland. To win so many awards for the outstanding regeneration work that is taking place in the city is certainly something we can all be proud of.”