CITY’S £1.9M PARK VISION

SUNDERLAND MINSTER AREA WOULD BE TRANSFORMED WITH HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND

This is the dazzling new look drawn up for Sunderland’s Town Park under plans to revamp the area at Sunderland Minster.

The park, at the south of Sunderland Minster, is part of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme that was confirmed earlier this summer.

The £423,000 update to the park, subject to further decisions, including planning permission, could see work starting next year.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £1.9million to the council for the overall scheme, which is set to run for five years.

It is offering building and repair grants to property owners and as well as the major make-over drawn up for Town Park.

The plans are being put to Sunderland City Council’s ruling cabinet next week for discussion.

A report to senior councillors outlines how there are already 22 potential building restoration and enhancement projects in the scheme with a value of up to £1.2million.

More than 10 of the possible projects could see grant offers of £50,000 or more for stonework restoration, window and roof repairs, and replacement shopfronts.

Councillor Stuart Porthouse, the cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Thanks to the lottery funding, the council is looking to improve the park and, alongside this, support a series of other works in and around this historic area.

“Enhancing the park and helping to improve other listed buildings are all about creating higher quality, more attractive, secure and usable public spaces.

“The council has a strong track record of working with its partners on improvements and, as well as improving our city scape for residents and visitors, it all helps attract further investment from businesses.”

The Cabinet meets from 2pm next Wednesday at Sunderland Civic Centre.

“The council is looking to improve the park” COUN PORTHOUSE