Cash grant to breathe new life

PLANS FOR EAST END AREA OF CITY TO BE REGENERATED

New life will be breathed into Old Sunderland with a little help from a Government cash boost.

The area – centred around High Street East and the East End – is one of 28 nationwide to benefit from a new Coastal Community Team.

Each team – made up of local volunteers, councils and businesses – will receive an initial £10,000 to develop a blueprint for economic growth and be offered support from a network to regenerate seaside areas.

Andrea Winders is leading the Old Sunderland team.

“Old Sunderland was once the centre of Sunderland, with a bustling economy built on trade from incoming ships, shipbuilding and commerce,” she said.

“But over the years, the city has spread westwards and the centre has migrated to High Street West, which is supported by the retail heart of the area and developments such as Vaux.

“It is important to remember the past and find a place for it in future developments, so this will work hand-in-hand with the Historic Action Zone status announcement made recently by Historic England to drive investment and development into the area, while preserving its historical significance and beauty.

“Local business owners and residents will be central to the way the team works to breathe life into Old Sunderland, with support from

Andrea Winders, leading the team. The University of Sunderland’s Mal Robinson and Quayside Exchange’s Jean Anderson, from the Old Sunderland’s Coastal Community Team.