Sunniside Partnership

The historic heart of Sunderland, known as Sunniside, is part of the Back on the Map area. The area is the focus for a major regeneration programme,managed by the Sunniside Partnership.  

It was established in 2003 to lead the regeneration of this important part of the City centre and ensure it becomes a revitalised and vibrant quarter. The Partnership’s aim is to attract £130 million of private and public investment over the next 13 years, to transform the area economically, socially, culturally and physically.

With the help of Sunniside Partnership, Sunniside is already emerging as an active mixed use quarter including homes, leisure, offices, cafes/bars, shops and culture surrounded by century’s old history and architecture. The Partnership encourages the widest possible mix of uses in order to increase the viability of the area.

Sunniside Gardens

Situated between West Sunniside and Norfolk Street, the £2 million award winning Sunniside Gardens are an important open space that opened in March 2007.

The gardens lie at the heart of the Sunniside area, offering a place for visitors and residents to relax and enjoy the dancing fountains, lighting scheme, pavement cafes and events. The gardens form a key focal point on major pedestrian routes linking the City centre and the East End of Sunderland.

Designed by Robinson Landscape Design and funded by TyneWear Partnership, English Partnerships and Sunderland City Council, the gardens are surrounded by listed buildings and lie within the Central conservation area.

The gardens will be followed by more improvements to Sunniside’s streets in the near future.

thePlace

thePlace is a new £6m business and arts centre, which is currently being built on Athenaeum Street in Sunniside. It follows the demolition of the former Manor Hotel and also includes the conversion of six formerly derelict Georgian Grade II listed townhouses on West Sunniside into modern offices.

The development, which began in February 2007, will provide affordable performance/conference space, gallery, cafe, meeting rooms and a range of business suits and artist studios. It is due for completion in Spring 2008.

thePlace will be a hub to lead creativity in Sunniside. From 2008 the business suites and artist studios will be available to rent. For more information please contact the Sunniside Partnership office on 0191 567 4822 or email sunnisideup@sunnisidepartnership.co.uk

For more information visit the Sunniside Partnership website.