Affordable housing and 690 new jobs part of Sunderland regeneration

Plans to build 268 new affordable homes to be built in Sunderland have been submitted, promising to bring an additional 690 jobs to the city.

Proposals for the £45m development from housing association Gentoo Group and Homes England have been progressed following a public consultation and if approved, will be delivered within the next two years. The properties will be available for affordable rent or shared ownership.

An estimated 279 jobs will be created on site, as well as an additional 441 in the wider economy, which developers say will be crucial to post COVID-19 recovery in the city.

The project along with Sunderland City Council’s ongoing regeneration programme including Riverside Sunderland, the Strategic Transport Corridor and new Music Arts and Culture Quarter would bring £5.5m extra spend to the region.

Gentoo Group proposes building a variety of different property types, including bungalows contemporary two, three and four-bed family properties. All homes will have carbon saving measures implemented as standard.

Last year, the company announced a £117m investment into affordable housing in Sunderland, committing to creating 900 additional homes in the city by 2024.

Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer at Gentoo Group, said: “Sunderland is a city in transformation and it’s clear the significant amount of development and construction work that is ongoing across Wearside will be the catalyst for social and economic growth post COVID-19.

“We’re pleased to playing our part by submitting plans to build much needed new modern affordable rented housing that our tenants and the people of Sunderland deserve.”

Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for Dynamic City, added: “New works and development help create the dynamic, healthy and vibrant city our residents deserve and have told us they want to see.”