£20m Budget boost to help train city eco-friendly housebuilders
Plans for a new base to train the next generation of ecofriendly housebuilders have taken a massive step forward.
ChancellorRishiSunakannounceda£20millioncommitment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in Wednesday’s Budget to support the development of a Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) in Sunderland and creation of new sustainable housing.
Developed by Sunderland City Council, Education PartnershipNorthEast(EPNE)and Sunderland-bornTVarchitect and presenter George Clarke’s Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE), theacademywilleducate,train and upskill local people to create innovative factory-built new homes, the first of which will be assembled at Riverside Sunderland.
In total, £9million will support the HICSA, with the remaining cash assisting the development of new sustainablecommunitiesinSunniside and on Riverside Sunderland.
ThefacilitywillenableSunderlandtobuildtheskills-base to upgrade the city’s homes, using modern construction methods, low carbon, renewable energy and smart technology and put Sunderland at
the heart of the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
The new academy will be built in Sheepfolds, close to the Stadium of Light, as part of theRiversideSunderlandplan.
City council leader Coun Graeme Miller said: “This is a leap forward in terms of our
ambitious plans to place Sunderland at the heart of the UK’s net-zero agenda, creating opportunities for young people to train in modern constructiontechniques,ensuringthey have access to sustainable employmentopportunitieswhen they’re qualified.
“This is another step forward in Sunderland’s green revolutionandIampleasedthe Government has recognised the undeniable benefits this ambitious plan has brought to them.”
Through the academy, young people will develop ultra-sustainable homes, constructed off-site and making use of the latest technological advancements, to ensure the properties that are built in the city are eco-friendly and digitally advanced.
Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of EPNE, said the news was important for Sunderland’s future as a low-carbon city.
“We’re committed as a college to powering the green revolution, that we know will create sustainable opportunities for our young people, as well as advancing the agenda of the city when it comes to building homes using modern methods of construction thatarefastertoconstructand deliver exemplary quality and energy efficiency standards,” she said.
“Thisisaboutfuture-proofing our young people – ensuringthattheyhavetheskillsthat will power the economy of tomorrow and we’re thrilled to be able to advance this important agenda and play a part in buildingagreenfutureforSunderland.”
George Clarke is excited to get started on the project. He said: “High-quality homes are at the absolute heart of a successful society and a thriving economy,andbybuildingthem locally, Sunderland can maximise the benefit to the city.
"Training up the next generation in modern methods of construction is critical to ensure we are at the forefront when it comes to delivering on the future needs of the UK housing market and emerging industries.
For Riverside Sunderland plans, visit https://www.riversidesunderland.com