Here's how you can have your say on how to spend £40m on regenerating the city
“This is fantastic opportunity for local people to tell us how they would like to see this funding invested”
Residents in two areas of Sunderland are being asked to share their views on how up to £20m could be invested in each of their communities over the next 10 years.
Hendon, Docks and the East End, alongside Thorney Close, Plains Farm and Springwell were selected to form part of the national Pride in Place programme in September 2025. Each area is now set to receive up to £20m over the next decade to support communities and deliver long term improvements.
The funding is designed to target areas in greatest need of investment and will be used to achieve the project’s three key aims of building thriving places, strengthening communities, and putting residents’ views at the heart of decision-making.
The aim is to hear from as many residents and businesses as possible to help prioritise planned developments.
Over the coming months, Council teams will also be out and about speaking to residents about what improvements they would like to see and gathering views on local priorities. Voluntary sector organisations will also be carrying out engagement with community groups.
Newly established independent Neighbourhood Boards made up of local residents, businesses, and community organisations will take views onboard to establish a development plan.
Debra Walker, Chair of the Hendon, Docks and the East End Neighbourhood Board, said: "We'd love residents to tell us what's important to them and share their ideas for improving the area. We want to understand what would make a real difference and help improve life for them and their families.
"The insight we receive from residents will be crucial in helping shape how this £20m investment is used. The funding could support a range of physical and environmental improvements, as well as helping improve access to important community services."
Andrea Walters, Chair of the Thorney Close, Plains Farm and Springwell Neighbourhood Board, added: "This is fantastic opportunity for local people to tell us how they would like to see this funding invested in their area and to help deliver meaningful improvements.
"Pride in Place is all about putting power back into the hands of local communities, so I’d encourage everyone to have their say. What residents tell us will help shape future priorities and guide investment opportunities over the next 10 years."
The Neighbourhood Boards will work alongside Sunderland City Council to develop long-term Regeneration Plans for each area which “reflect community priorities and identify opportunities for investment”.
Residents can have their say on each area via the City Council’s Hendon and Thorney Close portal links.
Pride in Place is a UK Government funded programme designed to give local people greater control over the regeneration of their neighbourhoods. Through The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), communities receive up to £20m over 10 years to “invest in projects that will make a real and lasting difference to their area”.
The Hendon, Docks and the East End, and Thorney Close, Plains Farm and Springwell were awarded funding in Phase 2 of the Pride in Place Programme, following on from Washington being awarded funding in Phase 1.