More Success for Sunniside

A newly opened £6 million arts and business centre in the historic part of Sunderland city centre has received another prestigious award.
thePlace is the latest addition to the £130m regeneration of Sunniside. And yesterday (WED) it picked up a Commendation at the national Civic Trust Awards. Commendations are given to projects that are of benefit culturally, socially or economically whilst making a valuable contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment. Winners receive a certificate.

Designed by architect Reid Jubb Brown Partnership and constructed by Kendall Cross Holdings Ltd, thePlace is home to exhibition space, a café, meeting rooms, artist’s studios and a range of offices. The venue, which was officially handed over to Sunderland City Council in summer last year, is already home to a diverse range of businesses and is now hosting a series of exhibitions and events.

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 Georgian terrace 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 2007.

Sunniside Partnership, working with the city’s urban regeneration agency Sunderland arc, is spearheading the regeneration programme for the area and is keen that the new building should become the focal point for creative industry in the city.

Cllr Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council and chairman of Sunniside Partnership, said: “We are delighted that thePlace is being so widely recognised. The building has been really well received by everyone – residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Ben Hall, director of Sunniside Partnership, said: “We wanted a high quality office building with a creative public space that would really capture people’s imagination. This award is another acknowledgement of the quality and innovation that Sunniside demonstrates.”
Kevin Brown, senior partner at Reid Jubb Brown, said: “By connecting the listed buildings at the back and integrating them with the new build aspect we have brought the past, present and future together making a bold statement about the whole Sunniside area.”
Already a recipient of The Journal’s North East Landmark Award for Best Office Development, the project has also been shortlisted for several other prestigious design awards including the British Council for Offices and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors North East Renaissance Awards.

Sunniside Partnership was set up and is supported by Sunderland arc, Sunderland City Council, One North East and the Homes and Communities Agency (formerly English Partnerships). thePlace development was also funded by Heritage Lottery European, TyneWear Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Any business owners interested in moving into offices at thePlace should contact Sunderland City Council on 0191 561 2663. Grant support may be available to prospective tenants through Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team on 0191 561 1194.