Regeneration experts Capital&Centric have been picked to transform Sunderland’s main high street into a thriving place to live and work after getting backing from the council’s cabinet.
The Manchester-based social impact developer – which is already working on another regeneration scheme in the North East in Gateshead – has been chosen to bring the local authority’s High Street West masterplan to life, with new homes and places for people to work and hang out.
The business is on the cusp of kick-starting work on the development, following the city council’s cabinet decision to appoint it to provide development management services. The far-reaching overhaul will see a key stretch of the street converted into a vibrant city neighbourhood.
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Plans are being prepared for the delivery of high-quality design-led new homes alongside space for independent businesses, with active ground floor commercial space being earmarked for cafés, bars, makers and creatives.
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said the resulting street will celebrate urban living with plant-lined streets, attractive pocket parks and spaces to sit, meet and hang out. He said: “We’re buzzing about the opportunity to bring the Capital&Centric approach to Sunderland. High Street West is brimming with potential, and our ambition is to create a city neighbourhood that feels characterful, independent and full of life.
"The mix of homes, green streets and space for locals to do their thing is how we plan to create a lasting community, not just buildings. Now we have the green light, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves and getting cracking.”
High Street West’s transformation is part of the council’s Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which includes residential, commercial and leisure developments. It is part of a programme of development projects that aim to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent and fits with the city's housing strategy, which will see 7,000 new homes built by 2030.
Coun Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “With the Riverside Sunderland regeneration progressing at pace, and with the development of the former Vaux site establishing a new vibrant heart to the city, it will be brilliant to see the regeneration programme extend to High Street West, connecting Riverside Sunderland with the city centre.
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“Working with Capital&Centric, we will create a vibrant, people-first neighbourhood that reflects the creativity and ambition of our community and continue in generating a city where people choose to live, work, and play.”
High Street West marks Capital&Centric’s second foray into the North East, following on from its plans to redevelop Gateshead Old Town Hall. The team is working up designs for the building and the surrounding land it has acquired, which it aims to turn into a focal point for Gateshead town centre’s regeneration, as well as a catalyst for further development.
It has also already delivered a number of regeneration projects in key towns and cities, including Manchester, Stockport and Sheffield. Earlier this year the firm's co-founder Tim Heatley told us how schemes have grown to become neighbourhood communities, with features including gyms, rooftop cinema, yoga terraces, BBQs, residents’ gardens, terraces and lounges, while also supporting all manner of small businesses from foodie firms and bars to pottery companies.
The firm’s founders Mr Heatley and Adam Higgins have also featured on TV shows such as Channel 4’s Big Interiors Battle and the BBC’s Manctopia, after gaining a reputation for reinventions of old buildings and brownfield sites.