A major milestone has been reached in the ongoing transformation of Riverside Sunderland after Homes England confirmed a £27.7 million investment to support the development of the Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
The funding will help bring forward what is expected to become the largest residential community within Riverside Sunderland, delivering more than 350 new homes on a former industrial site. The investment is being complemented by a £10 million contribution from the North East Mayor, providing a significant boost to one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration programmes.
The announcement highlights the growing collaboration between Homes England, Sunderland City Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as they work together to accelerate regeneration, housing delivery and economic growth across the region.
It also follows the recent launch of a new strategic delivery partnership designed to unlock housing and infrastructure projects throughout the North East. Central to the agreement is the creation of a joint Major Projects Delivery Unit, one of the first partnerships of its kind in England and the first operating at this scale in the North East.
The unit will combine the expertise, resources and leadership of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Homes England and local authority partners, helping to overcome barriers to development, bring forward complex regeneration sites and deliver new housing at pace.
The latest investment will build on the momentum already generated through recent Riverside Sunderland developments, including Keel Crossing, while supporting the wider vision of transforming Sunderland city centre into a thriving place to live, work and invest.
Tom Bridges, Executive Regional Director for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber at Homes England, said:
“Our long-standing partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Sunderland City Council continues to deliver real results for local people. This latest funding will enable delivery of the next phase of Riverside Sunderland, one of the most exciting and impressive regeneration projects in England. It will unlock much-needed new homes on brownfield land in the heart of Sunderland and create a vibrant new neighbourhood that connects people to their city centre.
“We’re building on the great momentum already created by the delivery of Keel Crossing and our wider regeneration efforts throughout the city, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners to transform the city centre for the people of Sunderland.”
The investment is expected to play a key role in supporting Sunderland's long-term growth ambitions by increasing housing supply, regenerating previously developed land and creating a sustainable new community at the heart of the city.
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