Homes England has provided funding of £27.7m to support the delivery of the Sheepfolds residential neighbourhood in Sunderland.
The former industrial site will house more than 350 homes and forms part of the wider Riverside Sunderland development.
Homes England’s investment will enable the delivery of infrastructure and public realm across the neighbourhood, including new roads, utilities and active travel routes that are essential to support the residential development, while enhancing connectivity between the city centre and surrounding communities.
The North East mayor has already invested £10m to complement Homes England’s funding package.
Tom Bridges, executive regional director, 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.”
Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “We’re delighted to have secured funding from Homes England that will enable delivery of infrastructure and public realm that will accelerate housing delivery, improve connectivity and ensure the neighbourhood is fully integrated with the city centre and surrounding communities.
“This investment marks another major milestone in delivering our vision for Riverside Sunderland. Sheepfolds is a key part of our plans to create new homes, jobs and opportunities in the heart of the city, and its connectivity to the former Vaux site, through to the high street and wider city centre means this is a vital next step in our journey to regenerate the whole urban heart of Sunderland.”
Kim McGuinness, North East mayor, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home and my Plan for Homes is a huge step towards making that happen. We’re committed to building 15,000 new social and affordable homes right across the region in the next decade. But we’re already investing to make that happen. We’re transforming derelict sites, like the one at Sheepfolds, with a vibrant new neighbourhood. It just shows that we’re ambitious with our plans for Sunderland whether that’s backing Crown Works Studios, regenerating the city centre or building new affordable homes.”
