Sunderland housing plan awarded £2m in additional funding

Sunderland has been awarded more than £2m from Homes England to press on with the next phase of its transformational £59m housing plan.

Sunderland City Council has made a successful bid to Government housing accelerator Homes England, securing funding that will allow it to advance with the next phase of its empty homes programme, as well as two new-build developments and the transformation of a former school that will provide homes for disabled and vulnerable residents.

Coupled with council capital, the grant will allow the local authority to push ahead with the purchase of another 15 empty homes, part of a planned 362 that will be bought, revamped and returned to use across the city in the five-year period to 2025.

A planning application was also approved last week for the revamp of ‘The Old School’ which has stood empty since the nineties. Originally known as Biddick School, the disused building on Albert Place Washington stands opposite five new bungalows that have recently been completed.

The grant will also contribute to some of the costs of new build developments at James William Street and Old Mill Road, both in Sunderland, providing supported accommodation and bungalows for over 55s.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city portfolio holder at Sunderland City Council, said: “Our £59m Housing Delivery and Investment Plan (HDIP) is one that will deliver so much for our vulnerable residents, as well as those who are looking for the security and assurance of renting their home from an organisation that puts the city and its people first.

“However, this investment can be maximised when we use our ambition to leverage support from outside bodies like Homes England so we’re rightly thrilled to have secured this additional investment. It’s credit to our hardworking team.”

Andrea Taylor, senior manager at Homes England, said: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority. We are committed to supporting Sunderland City Council who have ambitions to build new homes, and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that.

“We’re delighted that this funding will enable Sunderland City Council to deliver much needed new homes in Washington.”

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