Council to deliver £1.5 million town centre boost

A North East local authority is investing in high street improvements to support town centre regeneration and local businesses.

Sunderland City Council has secured £1.5 million from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund to deliver a programme of environmental and business enhancements across Houghton and the Coalfields.

Officials say the funding will support upgrades in areas including Houghton-le-Spring, Easington Lane, Shiney Row and Fencehouses, with nearly £600,000 allocated to Newbottle Street.

Initial works have already been completed, including improvements to public seating, road markings, pavements and street furniture.

The next phase will focus on enhancing green spaces, with plans for planting, landscaping and improvements around community assets.

Local businesses will also benefit from targeted support and a Shop Local campaign aimed at increasing footfall.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be leveraging Government funding to deliver improvements across all corners of the city, and as a ward councillor in the Coalfields, it’s particularly pleasing to see money being invested into high streets that I know people use and value. 

“High Streets are important community hubs – places people get their essentials, support independent businesses and where strong connections are formed between residents.  

“It’s vital that, as a council, we do all we can to support these places and ensure they’re attractive and well-maintained, so people continue to use them more and more, day-in-day-out.”

Work is set to begin in March and continue over the next year as part of wider efforts to revitalise town centres and strengthen local economies.

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