Have your say on ambitious proposals

Residents are being invited to have their say on ambitious plans for a new urban quarter in the heart of Sunderland.

Riverside Sunderland will regenerate land on both sides of the River Wear, creating 1,000 new homes, 1 million sq ft of office space, public buildings and cultural attractions.

Now people who live or work in Sunderland are being encouraged share their views on upcoming plans by visiting The Ideas Shop, in The Bridges shopping centre, between January 23 and 25 or attending a workshop at The Beam between February 12 and 15.

The recent Let’s Talk Sunderland campaign showed that residents want a better city centre experience, including improved shopping and leisure offerings and a more attractive environment.

Sunderland City Council leader Coun Graeme Miller said: “The creation of Riverside Sunderland will help to unlock the city’s untapped potential, making a huge contribution to our vision of a connected, international city with opportunities for everyone.

“We already have some outstanding architects and designers working on the Riverside Sunderland plan, but we want to work with communities to ensure that it reflects the needs and aspirations of all our citizens.”

The Ideas Shop will be open 1pm to 8pm on Thursday; 9am to 5pm on Friday; and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

The shop will remain open for a few weeks so visitors can drop in to look at the exhibition and leave feedback.

A four-day event will be held in The Beam from Wednesday, February 12 to Saturday 15. Register at www. imagining-riversidesunderland.eventbrite.co.uk