Sunderland’s City Centre Regeneration Boosted by £27.7m Homes England Investment to Transform Sheepfolds Neighbourhood

Significant progress has been made in the redevelopment of Riverside Sunderland, as Homes England, the government’s agency for housing and regeneration, has announced a £27.7 million investment to support the transformation of the Sheepfolds neighbourhood. This funding will play a crucial role in revitalising the former industrial site, which is set to become the largest residential area within Riverside Sunderland, featuring over 350 homes. An additional £10 million has already been allocated by the North East Mayor to supplement Homes England’s financial support.

Collaboration Drives Regional Development

This announcement highlights the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, Homes England, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. Recently, a new delivery partnership was established to accelerate growth and housing development across the North East. This initiative includes the formation of a joint Major Projects Delivery Unit, a pioneering arrangement in England and the first of its kind in the North East. This unit will leverage expertise, resources, and leadership from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Homes England, and local councils to unlock complex sites, facilitate major developments, and propel the region’s growth ambitions.

Tom Bridges, the Executive Regional Director for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber at Homes England, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Our long-standing collaboration with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Sunderland City Council continues to yield tangible benefits for local communities. This latest funding will enable the next phase of Riverside Sunderland, recognised as one of the most exciting regeneration projects in England. It will facilitate the provision of much-needed new homes on previously developed land in the heart of Sunderland, fostering a vibrant neighbourhood that connects residents to the city centre.”

Enhancing Connectivity and Community Integration

Cllr Chris Eynon, Leader of Sunderland City Council, conveyed his satisfaction with the funding acquisition, highlighting its potential to enhance infrastructure and public spaces, thereby accelerating housing delivery and improving connectivity. “This investment represents a significant milestone in realising our vision for Riverside Sunderland. Sheepfolds is integral to our plans for creating new homes, jobs, and opportunities within the city centre. Its connectivity to the former Vaux site, the high street, and the wider city centre makes it a vital step in regenerating the urban core of Sunderland,” he remarked.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness also commented on the importance of this investment, asserting, “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home, and my Plan for Homes is a significant stride towards achieving that goal. We are committed to building 15,000 new social and affordable homes across the region over the next decade. Our current investments are transforming derelict sites, including Sheepfolds, into vibrant new neighbourhoods, demonstrating our ambitious plans for Sunderland, from supporting Crown Works Studios to regenerating the city centre and constructing new affordable homes.”

Building a Sustainable Future for Sunderland

The new Sheepfolds neighbourhood aligns with Sunderland City Council’s broader ambition to deliver over 1,000 new homes in the city centre. It is an essential component of the Riverside Sunderland Creative Mayoral Development Zone, which aims to repopulate and revitalise the city. Homes England’s funding will facilitate the development of high-quality infrastructure and public spaces within the neighbourhood, including new roads, utilities, and active travel routes that are vital for supporting residential growth while enhancing connectivity between the city centre and surrounding areas.

This initiative will build upon the success of the Keel Crossing pedestrian footbridge, which opened last year with the help of Homes England funding. The footbridge connects the proposed housing development and the popular leisure venue Sheepfolds Stables to the heart of Sunderland’s city centre, further contributing to the area’s revitalisation.

About Homes England

Homes England serves as the government’s agency for housing and regeneration, dedicated to fostering the creation of affordable, quality homes and vibrant communities, ensuring that everyone has a place to live and prosper. The agency collaborates with a myriad of organisations of various sizes, utilising its powers, expertise, land, capital, and influence to attract investment to communities and facilitate the construction of more quality homes.

For further information, please visit the Homes England website.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Email: media@homesengland.gov.uk

Phone: 0207 874 8262