Sunderland’
of Sunderland but also the North East with colleagues.
“Opportunities in Sunderland are obviously the regeneration of the city centre, a lot based around the Vaux site but also the development of new homes in the city centre to provide that economic engine that can provide that night time and cultural economy.
“These are long-term projects but I like the ambition I’m hearing.
“I’m keen Gentoo has a voice at the table and is heard as a representative of the communities it serves by making sure it’s not just about the city centre. It’s about the whole of Sunderland.
“It’s taken a long time but now I think there are some real shoots of recovery.
“The vision for Gentoo is we’re absolutely committed to doing everything we can to provide the best services for the people of Sunderland.
“We’ve lost something approaching 10,000 homes since transfer in 2001 through right to buy, right to acquire and demolition, so we need to get on with building new homes for people who need affordable rented accommodation in Sunderland.
“We also, in terms of the city, will play our part in that whole drive for change and engagement.
“One of the other areas I’m particularly keen we do work on is working with young people because I think at the end of the day, any city is only as good as the opportunities young people have got for education, for attainment, for jobs and for somewhere to live that they can afford to live, that offers them opportunities.”