Local heroes cut the ribbon on Culture House as new venue opens in heart of Sunderland

Mackems who make a real difference in their communities joined forces to cut the ribbon on Sunderland’s major new Culture House venue.

Three years in the making, the multi-purpose venue in Keel Square houses everything from the City Library and galleries to media studios, a Blacks Corner restaurant and shop.

After being nominated by people across the city, around 45 local heroes cut the ribbon on the venue today, September 12, and will go on to be part of a display within Culture House.

The ceremony had to be brought indoors due to the weather, with a 500-strong crowd waiting at the door at 10am to be among the first to check out the building and its varied offering.

Throughout the opening day, there’s a host of activity with pop up events, choirs and more.

“What an incredible building and time for our city,” said one of the local heroes, Andrea Bell from Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen. “As a city, we’re really moving forward with so much change and a venue like this helps put us on the map.

“It’s wonderful to be part of the ribbon cutting and that members of the public were recognised in the ceremony.”

Another local hero on the day was Peter Gibson, chairman of Southwick Village Green Preservation Society who do such great work in preserving Southwick’s heritage and tending to the ancient village green.

“I’m so proud to be from Southwick and to represent Southwick here today,” said Peter. “There’s such a community feel in Southwick and we feel it’s a really special place to come from. It’s hard work from the committee members, but a joy to look after the green for the community.”

Flying the flag for city artists was Darren Timby who is well-known for his impressive portraits made entirely from screws.

“It was a real privilege to be here today,” he said. “Sunderland is very much on the up and this is a real cultural hub in the city amongst everything else that’s happening.

“A great turnout today, which is great to see.”

Laura Brewis is founder and executive director of We Make Culture, who run the city’s Young Musicians Project, which nurtures young musical talent, helping some of our brightest talent to shine.

She was nominated by young people from the project who wanted her commitment to city culture to be recognised on the landmark day.

“It’s so exciting that culture has been put into the heart of the town centre and amazing to have a building dedicated to all the positive changes that have happened over the past 10-15 years” said Laura.

Bethany Hughes from Hetton uses her platform as Miss Glamour UK to raise money for a host of charities, including YoungMinds, 4Louis and A-Sisterhood.

She juggles her modelling with art and being an author and was nominated by her husband, friends and members of the pageant community.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had been selected as one of the local heroes, I never get nominated for anything,” she said.

“It’s a magnificent building and it’s great to be part of the opening day.”

One of the youngest local heroes was Watson Storey, five, from Silksworth who cut the ribbon with dad, Chris who is also taking on the Great North Run.

The pair have been raising money for charity Breakthrough T1D UK after Watson was diagnosed with the condition last year.

“People think diabetes is just diet related but we’ve been making videos to show people what life is like for those with type 1 diabetes,” said Chris. “The videos show the sensors and pumps Watson has to use every day. It would be a lot for and adult and it’s not fair for a five-year-old, so we’re hoping to help fund research.”

Culture House director Leanne Littlewood said: “At times I’ve been holding back the tears today, it’s been so overwhelming to see everyone’s response.

“I was walking down the stairs behind one lady and she said it was ‘the place of dreams’. It’s great to see people in the space and enjoying all that’s available to them. It’s their building.”