Spotlight shining bright on Sunderland

A North East city and its region are experiencing rapid growth and optimism.

Sunderland and the wider North East are riding a powerful wave of success and renewal, fuelled by Sunderland AFC’s return to the Premier League and fast-paced regeneration transforming the city centre and beyond. 

Key infrastructure projects underline this positive trajectory, including a new pedestrian footbridge at Riverside Sunderland and a “landmark” funding deal for the Tyne and Wear Metro’s first new line in 30 years, set to enhance connectivity and opportunity.

The 250-metre New Wear Footbridge, at Riverside Sunderland, is close to being completed. It will connect Sunderland city centre to the Sheepfolds leisure hub.

The North East Combined Authority’s £14 billion investment prospectus and the Government’s ambitious £86 billion plan to create an advanced manufacturing cluster have added to the feeling of real momentum and positivity.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s retail, food, drink, hospitality and tourism sectors are thriving, welcoming 840,000 overnight visitors last year alone. 

Unique venues such as Sheepfolds Stables, which opened in August 2024 to widespread acclaim, have also boosted the visitor economy to around £6.6 billion, with exciting ambitions to reach £10 billion by 2034.

Sheepfolds Stables has proved to be a hugely popular food, drink, entertainment and events venue since opening in August 2024

Rick Marsden, managing director of BDN, developers of Sheepfolds Stables, said: “Promotion to the Premier League is great news, not only for the club but for the city, its people, and the local and regional business community too. 

“There is a very positive spotlight shining on Wearside at the moment, whether it be through football or the many developments, ongoing regeneration and investments being made across the city, and Sheepfolds Stables is playing (and will continue to play) a significant part in that. 

“There is real momentum now to keep driving forward change for good, and as a popular social and hospitality venue, we’re very much providing a platform that supports and creates even more opportunities for growth to the benefit of local people, artists and businesses. 

“Not only that, we are looking at ways which we can engage further with the growing visitor economy, creating an experience that not only promotes and brings our heritage and history to the fore, but also embraces who and where we are, and what we can offer to wider audiences and communities. 

“With exciting new developments happening all around us too, Sheepfolds Stables is a great example of how an independent venue can really be at the heart of activities and create opportunities to the benefit of all.

“SAFC’s promotion, undoubtedly, will shine an even greater spotlight on the city and see thousands of new people flocking to Wearside and the North East every other week. 

“It’s certainly a game-changer in more ways than one as many will be coming here for the first time. 

“Our local businesses can certainly tap into this and make Sunderland a destination that people return to time and time again, so it’s great to see.”

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