Sunniside is a unique and valuable part of Sunderland city centre and has played a vital role in the cultural and commercial life of the city over several centuries. During the second part of the 20th century the area declined significantly and there was recognition that coordinated action was required to regenerate the area to enable it to contribute to the economic and physical regeneration of the city.

Following the establishment of the Urban Regeneration Company Sunderland arc in 2002, Sunniside Partnership was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2003 under a dedicated Project Director to oversee and co-ordinate the regeneration in this priority area of the city centre. Its primary role is to co-ordinate development activity and promote public and private sector investment across the area within an approved policy framework.

The Partnership is supported by Sunderland arc, Sunderland City Council, regional development agency One North East and national regeneration agency Homes and Communities Agency (formerly English Partnerships).

Since 2003 funding partners have invested almost £18m, with more than £90m invested by the private sector. This has helped achieve the following:

- Award--winning £2m Sunniside Gardens

- More than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars established in the area

- New and improved commercial floorspace through the Sunniside Commercial Property Grant Scheme

- The creation of more than 240 new homes

- The creation of more than 600 jobs

- an award-winning £6m business & arts centre - thePlace

- £2m public realm improvements to streets connecting with the rest of the city centre.

The organisation is governed by a Partnership Board that meets quarterly and has a dedicated, multi-disciplinary project team working within Sunniside to co-ordinate and manage the strategic regeneration of the area.
 

View the Board

View the Sunniside team