The showcase screen in its central Keel Square suggests there’s plenty of words to choose from for Sunderland.
I’m going with “change” because sooooo much has since my visit 18 months back, with much more in the pipeline.
It’s exciting to see a city centre with such a lot happening and especially so – believing strongly in ‘place partnership’ working as we do – to talk through with #placemaking colleagues here how that approach is strengthening.
Even on a short walk-see there’s change to witness…
- + The exciting Culture House multi-purpose venue rising from the ground;
- + Scaffolding off two of the central area’s landmark buildings after careful restoration;
- + New #hospitality additions to the mix in Keel Square with another on the way;
- + Significant progress on the Riverside development which is creating a dynamic, carbon-neutral urban quarter;
- + A stunning new addition to the city’s #streetart collection which is part of an ongoing programme of creative public realm projects;
- …and more besides, with much else set to folllow in the months ahead.
From a pure tackling #highstreet vacancy perspective this is encouraging progress, as it means office, commercial, residential, health services and cultural development that helps deliver the increased footfall and dwell time that is so important to would-be new #retail occupiers.
And, as we’ll reflect in a future post, there are a variety of units, including a number in attractive, intriguing buildings, for both brand and independent shops to go for.
It’s for sure a city that’s very well worth a visit…!
