SPECIAL FEATURE
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A CGI illustrates Sunderland ’ s ambitious city centre plans .
Plans unveiled for £ 80m leisure development in heart of Sunderland
Sunderland city centre is set for a showstopping addition , with early plans for a large-scale arena and events space revealed for Riverside Sunderland .
Sunderland City Council has set out a game-changing vision for the site of the former Crowtree Leisure Centre , with plans for a massive leisure investment anchored by a new 10,000-capacity , multi-purpose arena , that will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city every year .
As well as this large indoor arena , the multiuse leisure development will feature a food hall , restaurants , a hotel and studios , together forming a unique destination that will have something for everyone .
The council is working with a range of partners to deliver the project , including a UK-based industry-leading operator to shape the plans .
The project has already attracted over £ 20m in funding from Sunderland City Council and national government and will move into advanced design stages if Sunderland ’ s Cabinet sign off the proposed budget for the scheme .
The new development – which will deliver a huge boost to businesses in the heart of the city – will be a vibrant visitor attraction by day and night .
Together with transformational projects that are underway and planned for the former Vaux Brewery site and Sheepfolds , the arena plans mark an ambitious new phase in Sunderland ’ s city centre evolution , which council bosses say is about creating an experience-led destination .
Councillor Graeme Miller , leader of Sunderland City Council , said : “ The rate of transformation in our city points to the level of regeneration we are delivering for Sunderland , and this development raises that bar higher .
“ We set out an ambition to bring more experiences to the city as part of our Riverside Sunderland investment strategy , and you only have to look at the change to date in the city centre to see that it is more than an aspiration – it ’ s something we ’ re determined to make a reality .
“ We ’ re transforming Sunderland – we ’ re delivering on our promises to residents – and we ’ re proud to be spearheading a programme
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