Plans for an £80m leisure development have been unveiled for Sunderland city centre which will include an indoor arena, food hall, restaurants and a hotel.
Sunderland City Council has outlined plans for the former Crowtree Leisure Centre site, which will be anchored by a new 10,000 capacity arena.
The authority says it is in talks with a range of partners to deliver the project, including a UK based industry-leading operator to shape the plans.
Read more: Find more commercial property news from BusinessLive here
The project has already attracted over £20m in funding from Sunderland City Council and the Government and will move into advanced design stages as and when the city’s cabinet signs off the proposed budget for the scheme.
The new development comes on top of projects that are already under way and planned for the former Vaux Brewery site and Sheepfolds.
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the arena plans mark an ambitious new phase for Sunderland’s city centre.
He said: “The rate of transformation in our city points to the level of regeneration we are delivering for Sunderland, and this development raises that bar higher.
“We set out an ambition to bring more experiences to the city as part of our Riverside Sunderland investment strategy, and you only have to look at the change to date in the city centre to see that it is more than an aspiration – it’s something we’re determined to make a reality.
“We’re transforming Sunderland – we’re delivering on our promises to residents – and we’re proud to be spearheading a programme of change in Sunderland that is unlike any period of change in living memory. This new investment will be an incredible addition to the city centre.”
The scheme aims to add a new mix of attractions and activities in the city centre, with an emphasis on complementing and supporting the existing cultural attractions in the city, such as the Empire Theatre, the new Auditorium and the investments in Keel Square, including the planned Culture House and the Keel Square Holiday Inn.
The arena forms part of the council’s successful bid to the UK Government’s Future High Street Fund, which is earmarked to enable the demolition of the remains of the former leisure centre and to undertake associated works to accelerate the plans.
The development will be subject to a long-term lease agreement with a leisure operator, the income from which will recoup the council’s initial investment.
Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland BID, welcomed the plans, saying: “The most aspirational and successful city centres are those that are able to attract visitors and residents, with a blended offer of retail, food and drink and experience-led leisure.
“This is good news for our existing traders, delivering a facility that will complement the existing offer in Sunderland, and grow Sunderland’s reputation as an ambitious city with world class facilities and attractions. And its great news for residents, who can look forward to the next exciting stage of the city’s evolution.”
Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of Education Partnership North East and chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, added: “This is a huge announcement, that will enhance Sunderland’s reputation as a dynamic city and a fantastic place to live, work, study and play.
“There is a palpable sense of excitement and ambition in Sunderland right now, and a real momentum-build with positive announcement after positive announcement. What an brilliant time for the city and a bright future ahead.”
Natasha McDonough, chair of the Sunderland Area at the North East England Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Sunderland-based MMC Research & Marketing, said: “Developments like this create jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses, as well as boosting trade for the companies already on the doorstep, so it’s a hugely positive step forward for the city to attract investment on this scale.
“The transformation we are seeing in Sunderland city centre is rapid, and the arrival of experience-based leisure will complement the new commercial and residential developments that are progressing right now, helping keep people in the city, spending their money and boosting the economy.”
