Seafront and Sheepfolds areas join city centre's growth vision.
There are currently over 330 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across the UK-and Sunderland is one of them.
But Sunderland doesn’t want to just follow a sort of template which is used by other towns and cities. They want to lead from the front-be innovative.
And it’s working. In fact, Sunderland’s BID has been so successful that the team are often asked by other BID schemes if they can visit Sunderland to see what they’re up to and how the city is doing so well.
Just in case you don’t know what a BID scheme is, they are business led partnerships, working to improve specific areas by offering additional services or initiatives that enhance the business environment. The schemes are funded by a levy on businesses within the BID area and aim to increase footfall, improve business performance, and enhance the overall area.
Chief Executive, Sharon Appleby, is leading the Sunderland BID vision for the future.
“We have one overriding aim, and that is to make Sunderland a thriving city with a vision for future growth,” said Sharon who’s worked in Sunderland for over 20 years and knows what makes the city tick. “Since our inception in 2014, we have injected over £6 million into enhancing the city centre. Through the backing of our levy payers, business stakeholders, and essential partners, we have formulated a pragmatic and attainable blueprint for the future which includes expanding the BID area to include Sheepfolds and the Seafront.
“With the addition of those two areas to the original Sunderland BID scheme which covers the city centre, it means we can promote more of the assets that the city has to offer, ensure that as many parts of Sunderland are connected and allow us to push forward with new initiatives such as tourism. The Seafront area and its wonderful beaches is an obvious attraction for the leisure and hospitality sectors. Sheepfolds is a popular venue offering a mix of independent bars, restaurants, events, live entertainment and leisure operators, all coming together to create a wonderful venue on the banks of the River Wear. By including these two new areas in the BID it allows businesses from more of Sunderland to get involved.”
Sharon not only exudes real passion as leader of the Sunderland BID, but she is also a member of the nationwide British BID’s Advisory Board and can promote Sunderland to a national audience.
“It’s staggering to see what’s happened to Sunderland over the last decade, but the next decade is going to be equally exciting, creating opportunities for everyone. A Premiership Football Club, and Crown Works Studios which is going to be a major film and TV studio complex. The £450m project will revitalise the area around the Northern Spire Bridge, create up to 8000 jobs, and boost the North East’s creative industries.
“Sunderland University is thriving. It’s great to see people born here, educated here, and have a great career here. Sunderland College is also leading the way with several new initiatives including the Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy which will train people to work in the region’s housing industry. I really do see a bright future for young people coming through.
British E-sports also is headquartered in Sunderland and this hugely exciting and growing career is another reason that the future is bright for our young people.
“The most encouraging thing is that we are seeing a steady increase in the level of interest in Sunderland from businesses nationally and internationally. We are constantly talking to businesses-and the fascinating thing is that they come from every sector imaginable. I’m incredibly excited about the future for Sunderland.”
Sunderland BID: Transforming Sunderland for a vibrant future.
If you’d like more information about the Sunderland BID, what it does and how it operates, check their website www.sunderlandbid.co.uk
You can also contact Sharon Appleby directly on 0191 722 1002/07740 175230 or email sharon.appleby@sunderlandbid.co.uk