Sunderland steps closer to high street transformation with multi-million pound bid

The city of Sunderland has moved to the next stage of a multi-million pound fund bid to revitalise its high street.

Sunderland City Council has announced that the city has secured a place on the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) shortlist to potentially receive up to £25m in funding, one of 51 towns and cities in the UK to do so.

The £675m Future High Street Fund aims to enable towns and cities to develop high streets and central areas in order to attract visitors and businesses, boosting the local economy.

Cillr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, commented: “This announcement is another huge step forward in delivering our vision of a vibrant, dynamic city centre.

“This is a hugely competitive process, and we have done a fantastic job in moving to the next stage with our bid. I am determined that we develop an undeniable business case to ensure that Sunderland benefits from the FHSF, and uses it to deliver yet-more positive change in the city centre.

Following the announcement of the shortlist, the council will be invited to put forward a detailed business plan and outline its priorities for spending across the city centre if successful.

Cllr Miller added: “There is a palpable sense of momentum now – we mean it when we say that we will transform the city centre for everyone, and this funding could really support this process.

“We’re working hard to make sure Sunderland sees the benefit.”