Historic areas given heritage zone status
A scheme aimed at preserving and regenerating the historic heart of Sunderland is one of only 10 in the country to secure special status.
The area, which takes in Fawcett Street, the Old Sunderland and Riverside conservation areas and High Street East and West, is the first in the region to be granted Heritage Action Zone status (Haz).
The scheme has been set up by Historic England with the aim of unlocking the potential of historic areas to help them achieve economic growth.
Sunderland hopes to use its Heritage Action Zone status to address Heritage at Risk in the area through a programme of building conservation projects.
It also plans to link this heritage-led regeneration to other strategic regeneration schemes in the area at the same time, as using it to strengthen links with cultural initiatives such as the Tall Ships’ 2018 and the city’s City of Culture bid.
Sunderland City Council Cabinet Secretary Coun Mel Speding said: “We’re delighted to have secured Heritage Action Zone status for the area around Fawcett Street and High Street East and West.
“These streets were once at the heart of the city’s commercial area, but declined as the city centre gradually moved west.
“Sadly, this has left behind a legacy of key historic buildings in poor condition, with several vacant and derelict. But this scheme provides a real opportunity to unlock the potential of this important historic area.”
The Heritage Action Zone also includes all of the Old Sunderland and Riverside conservation areas which are on Historic England’s Heritage-at-Risk Register.
The council hopes the status will unlock funds that could be used to restore these areas to the point where they are no longer at risk.