£234million investment plans set out to help transform Sunderland

City leaders have set out their budget proposals for 2021/22, which include a rise in council tax bills of 4.99%.

More than half a billion pounds of investment £623million is earmarked for Sunderland over the next four years.And ‘new starts’ of £234million are included in the budget for the next financial year, which is being discussed by senior councillors on Sunderland’s ruling cabinet on Tuesday, February 9.

The meeting will take place remotely and can be viewed on YouTube.

Investments include::: Riverside Sunderland, including the popular plans for the new high-level footbridge over the river (£32million) as a centre piece of the development:: Developing ambitious plans to enhance the cultural offer through the new Culture House (£27.2million) and the Washington F Pit visitor centre (£4.6million)

:: Vaux Housing and the Future Living Expo, to showcase regional skills and housing innovation (£40million)

:: Northern Spire Park investment to develop the site for housing (£23million). The site has already been identified for more than 1,000 homes

:: Further investment in supported living for adults (£16million at Willowfields Supported Village) and for those facing homelessness (£7.2million for an Inspiring Futures scheme)

:: Investment in transport, such as the redevelopment of Sunderland Station (£28million) and cycling network plans (£5.6million)

:: Housing Innovation Construction and Skills Academy, to develop skills for residents in modern methods of construction (£11million)

:: Refurbishment of Barnes Junior and Fulwell Junior schools (£5million)

:: Further allotment and open space proposals to meet growing demand (£3.5million)

Subject to the meeting, the projects then go to the full budget meeting on March 3.

Councillor Graeme Miller said, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the long-term investments ‘improve city assets and infrastructure’.

"These are all part of our City Plan and examples of its progress. Our City Plan is delivering pledges we have made to our residents, businesses and visitors for a more dynamic, healthier and vibrant Sunderland,” he said.

"We are attracting external funding wherever possible and many of these investments will generate an income stream for the council. The investment in housing, for example, will help generate future income from both sales and rents that can then be re-invested.

"We need to make wise investments in the city, and do so in a way that is financially sustainable and prudent. Our City Plan and these proposals do just that."

Council tax rises and spending for day-to-day services will also be discussed by cabinet as part of the budget.

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