Funding paves way for 350 homes in Sunderland

Hundreds of new homes are set to transform a long-underused riverside site in Sunderland following a £27.7 million funding boost.

Homes England has committed the investment to unlock the Sheepfolds neighbourhood, paving the way for more than 350 homes as part of the wider Riverside Sunderland regeneration project.

Provided through Homes England’s Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) Fund, the investment will deliver the infrastructure needed to bring forward the residential development, including new roads, utilities, public realm and active travel routes.

Tom Bridges, executive regional director, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, at Homes England, said: “Our long-standing partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Sunderland City Council continues to deliver real results for local people. 

“This latest funding will enable delivery of the next phase of Riverside Sunderland, one of the most exciting and impressive regeneration projects in England. 

“It will unlock much-needed new homes on brownfield land in the heart of Sunderland and create a vibrant new neighbourhood that connects people to their city centre.

“We’re building on the great momentum already created by the delivery of Keel Crossing and our wider regeneration efforts throughout the city, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners to transform the city centre for the people of Sunderland.”

Sheepfolds is expected to become the largest residential neighbourhood within Riverside Sunderland and forms part of Sunderland City Council’s ambition to deliver more than 1000 new homes across the city centre.

The latest funding builds on a £10 million investment from North East mayor Kim McGuinness and is intended to improve connectivity between the city centre and surrounding communities while helping to regenerate a site that has remained largely underused for many years.

The project will also build on the success of the Keel Crossing pedestrian bridge, linking the city centre with the Sheepfolds area, which opened last year with support from Homes England funding.

Mayor McGuinness added: “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home, and my Plan for Homes is a huge step towards making that happen. 

“We’re committed to building 15,000 new social and affordable homes right across the region in the next decade.

“But we’re already investing to make that happen. 

“We’re transforming derelict sites, like the one at Sheepfolds, with a vibrant new neighbourhood. 

“It just shows that we’re ambitious with our plans for Sunderland whether that’s backing Crown Works Studios, regenerating the city centre or building new affordable homes.”

Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “We’re delighted to have secured funding from Homes England that will enable delivery of infrastructure and public realm that will accelerate housing delivery, improve connectivity, and ensure the neighbourhood is fully integrated with the city centre and surrounding communities.

“This investment marks another major milestone in delivering our vision for Riverside Sunderland. 

“Sheepfolds is a key part of our plans to create new homes, jobs and opportunities in the heart of the city, and its connectivity to the former Vaux site, through to the high street and wider city centre means this is a vital next step in our journey to regenerate the whole urban heart of Sunderland.”

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