Stunning development will be the first of its kind in UK
Sunderland’s stunning Beacon of Light will include education, sport and training facilities and it is expected more than 300,000 people will make use the building’s activity zones for education, the world of work, health and wellbeing, sport and play.
The Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, wants the building to use “the power of football to inspire people and change lives,” helping people gain skills and qualifications, and with teams working with families and aiming to re-energise communities.
Planning permission for the project was granted in 2015 and the Foundation’s trustees formally approved the start of building work in October.
Chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE said when it was given the go-ahead: “The Beacon of Light will be a first for the Foundation and for the region. We are immensely grateful to our patrons, benefactors, sponsors and supporters for backing us. It has been heartening to work with so many likeminded people who share values, and who want to make a lasting difference to people in the North East. Their vision and generosity will inspire many more people to learn more, do more and be more, and will change countless lives.”
The cube-shaped development will be the first of its kind in the country. On entering, visitors will be presented with a busy street along which the various activities will interconnect.
Inspirational and motivational zones for education, the world of work, health and wellbeing, sport and play will combine together.