3,000 homes plan a step nearer with £25m grant
A £25million development programme that will pave the way for more than 3,000 new homes in Sunderland is moving forward.
Major improvements to roads, extensions to three schools, enhanced special education provision and range of new contractor appointments are all progressing in the South Sunderland Growth Area (SSGA).
The major Sunderland City Council project follows a successful bid for £25.4m from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The grant will also ensure that the SSGA area – Chapelgarth, Cherry Knowle, South Ryhope and Burdon Lane has the right road infrastructure and school provision to meet the needs of those who will move into new homes.
Work is already underway at Potters Hill in Chapelgarth, the former Cherry Knowle site and Burdon Rise, with more homes expected to follow in the Burdon area and Willow Farm, Ryhope.
The grant will pay for road improvements to support increased traffic capacity at the junction of A19/A690 Durham Road – which are expected to be complete in the spring and part-funded by Highways England.
Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, cabinet member for dynamic city, said: “South Sunderland has huge potential for development, and that’s advancing rapidly, with more and more housebuilders being attracted
to the area. Ensuring we have the right infrastructure to enable that swift and successful regeneration is vital, and that’s why we’re working hard on a range of projects that future-proof our roads and schools.”
Extensions are being added to Benedict Biscop and St Pauls schools and cash is also being invested in a proposed new £13.6m Sunningdale School at the junction of Doxford Park Way and plans are also being made for a new primary school to be built in
the area. Cllr Atkinson added: “SSGA is a hugely significant part of our development plans for the city and has the potential to meet 20% of the city’s housing needs over the next 12 years.”
Among other housing developments moving forward across the city are new coastal communities being created by Avant Homes and Miller Homes at Seaburn; a £40m scheme delivered by Karbon Homes in North Hylton and a £400m-plus plan by Gentoo to invest in its stock.