Derelict retail units in an area of Sunderland are to be given a new lease of life after securing a £168,000 government boost.
Back on the Map, a charity helping to enhance the quality of lives of people living in Hendon, has secured funding from the government to bring a block of derelict retail units on Villette Road back into use. Over the past 12 months, the charity has worked with traders and residents to improve the road, investing its own funds through its High Street Revolution project into the purchase of several neglected buildings.
The extra funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ £150million Community Ownership Fund, however, will see the charity’s efforts go even further. The funding will provide new opportunities for residents wishing to set up their own businesses in the restored units and create work for residents by transforming the buildings into quality retail space.
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Jo Cooper, CEO of Back on the Map, said: “These funds will help save community assets that local residents and traders have told us are preventing our community high street from thriving. The building we’ve restored was at risk of loss and together we have empowered our community to come together to shape the things that matter most to them.
“Villette Road is the heart of Hendon, an area left behind after the decline of heavy industry, but our people are passionate about where they live and want it to be once again a place of opportunity to live, work and thrive. This project will bring social and economic change to Hendon.”
Julie Gray, Back on the Map Chairperson, added: “We are beyond delighted to receive the support of the Community Ownership Fund to support our work to save logical community assets. Back on the Map is committed to supporting, empowering, and levelling up our community.”
Villette Road’s High Street Revolution project set off to show that Hendon can become a place of opportunity to live, work and thrive. By building a stronger community, a better place and giving a local voice to residents – including to traders, the hope is that it will help restore Villette Road as the "Heart of Hendon".
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “This cash will help to revive the vital community spaces which give people a sense of belonging and pride in their communities and allow them to thrive.
“We want people across the country to have great opportunities no matter where they live. Ensuring that they can continue to benefit from treasured local institutions is an important part of this.”
