THE opportunities available in Sunderland thanks to on-going investments will be showcased at this year’s Completely Retail.
Representatives from Sunderland City Council and the city’s Business Improvement District will be highlighting what the city has to offer and how a range of developments will not only boost footfall but will also put the area on the international stage.
This includes the Riverside Sunderland area which will bring one million sq ft of office space, 10,000 new jobs and 1000 new homes.
The creation of the Crown Works Studios on a brownfield site at the south bank of the River Wear, which will see the largest film and studio complex outside of London created in the North East.
A joint project between FulwellCain Studios and Sunderland City Council, the ambitious scheme will bring thousands of people into the city when fully operational, which will have a major, positive effect on the local and regional economy, and is estimated to bring around 8500 new jobs to the city.
All of the new developments also represent great opportunities for the hospitality sector, which is thriving in the city.
New ventures like the Sheepfold Stables, a £2m project which saw derelict buildings turned into a restaurant, bar and entertainment space and STACK Seaburn, a purpose-built container hub offering street food, live music and bars have helped turn the city into a go-to destination.
The relocation of Sunderland’s acclaimed eye hospital to a new city site plus the installation of a footbridge linking both sides of the river will again drive further footfall and visitor numbers.
And it is these projects – and many others – that make the city the perfect investment opportunity and a base for leading leisure and retail brands looking for new outlets.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, is part of the team heading to Completely Retail and is looking forward to showing the huge opportunities the city has to offer.
“Sunderland is undergoing a massive metamorphosis at the moment and is benefiting from unprecedented investment,” said Sharon.
“There could not be a better time to look at the city and the potential it has from a retail point of view.
“There is already a really strong hospitality offering which drives people into the city, supported by a strong events programme which helps boost footfall on a regular basis.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston, Portfolio Holder for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council said they were also looking forward to showing how much Sunderland has to offer.
“Billions of pounds worth of inward investment are set to transform the city’s skyline over the coming years,” he said.
“New grade-A city centre office spaces, thousands of sustainable new homes and a world-class film studio complex are just a few of the developments planned and underway that will result in thousands more people living and working in the heart of the city.
“Add to that a new Culture House, Eye Hospital, National Esports Arena and a plethora of new leisure developments and the city has never presented such an attractive offer to investors. It really is a city of the future.”
