Residents in two Sunderland communities are being invited to have their say on how up to Β£20m could be invested in their areas over the next decade.
Their feedback will help shape the funding plans, ensuring the investment reflects local priorities and delivers the greatest possible benefit for residents.
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 will receive up to Β£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 placesΒ
Strengthening communities
Putting residentsβ views at the heart of decision-making
Residents are encouraged to share their views through the digital engagement platform at:Β
Hendon, Docks and the East End
Thorney Close, Plains Farm and Springwell
Teams will also be out and about in communities throughout the summer and autumn, 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.
The aim is to hear from as many residents and businesses as possible. Β Community engagement will continue throughout the10-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 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 Β£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, said:
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 Iβd 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 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 Regeneration Plans for each area. The plans will reflect community priorities and identify opportunities for investment.
Following the summer and autumn engagement, the plans will be submitted to the Government over the winter, 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 Β£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.
The funding could support a wide range of improvements, including community facilities, regeneration projects, education, health and employment initiatives.
