Residents in two Sunderland communities have just four weeks left to give their feedback on how up to £20 million could be invested in their local areas over the next decade.
Their feedback will help ensure this significant investment delivers the greatest possible impact and reflects the priorities of local people.
Hendon, Docks and the East End, alongside Thorney Close, Plains Farm, Springwell and Grindon were approved for funding in Phase 2 of the national Pride in Place programme. Each area will receive up to £20m over the next decade to support communities and deliver long term improvements.
The funding is targeted at areas where there is the greatest need and is focused on three priorities:
Building thriving places
Strengthening communities
Putting residents’ views at the heart of decision-making
There is still time for residents of the two areas to share their views through the digital engagement platform at:
Hendon, Docks and the East End
Thorney Close, Plains Farm, Springwell and Grindon
Teams have been out and about in communities throughout the summer, speaking to residents about what improvements they would like to see and gathering views on local priorities. Voluntary sector organisations have also been carrying out their own engagement with community groups.
The aim is to hear from as many residents and businesses as possible. Community engagement will continue throughout the 10-year programme to ensure local people remain at the heart of decision-making
Newly established independent Neighbourhood Boards in each area will play a key role in shaping their communities' future. Made up of residents, community organisations, businesses and public partners from each area, the boards will guide the programme, helping to ensure investment decisions are driven by local priorities.
Debra Walker, Chair of the Hendon, Docks and the East End Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, said:
We'd like to thank everyone who has come forward over the summer to tell us what's important to them and share their ideas for improving the area. I'd also encourage anyone who hasn't had the chance to share their views yet, to do so before the consultation closes on 31 October. This is all about helping us to get a better understanding of what would make a real difference for residents and help improve their lives and those of their families.
This insight is crucial in helping shape how this up to £20m investment will be used. It 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 Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, said:
We really don't want to see anyone miss out on this is fantastic opportunity to tell us how they would like to see this funding invested in their area.
Pride in Place is all about putting power back into the hands of local communities and delivering meaningful improvements. So I’d encourage everyone who hasn't already done so to have their say before the end of October. It's really easy to do and important too, as what residents tell us will help shape future priorities and guide investment opportunities over the next 10 years.
The next stage of the programme will see the Neighbourhood Boards working alongside Sunderland City Council in its role as the accountable body for the Pride in Place programme in the city, residents and local partners to develop long-term Pride in Place Plans for each area. These will reflect community priorities and identify opportunities for investment.
Following the initial engagement period, which will run through until the end of October, the plans will be submitted to the Government early next year, with projects due to commence late 2026/2027.
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, Springwell and Grindon areas were awarded funding in Phase 2 of the Pride in Place Programme, following on from Washington being awarded funding in Phase 1.
The funding could support a wide range of improvements, including community facilities, regeneration projects, education, health and employment initiatives.
