Business reaction
Senior business leaders have reacted positively to news of the city ’ s £ 80m leisure development plans . of change in Sunderland that is unlike any period of change in living memory . This new investment will be an incredible addition to the city centre .”
The scheme will create a much richer mix of attractions and activities in the city centre , with an emphasis on complementing and supporting the existing successful cultural attractions in the city , such as the Empire Theatre , the new Auditorium and the investments in Keel Square , including the planned Culture House and the Keel Square Holiday Inn .
The arena forms part of the council ’ s successful bid to the UK Government ’ s Future High Street Fund , which is earmarked to enable the demolition of the remains of the former leisure centre and to undertake associated works to accelerate the plans .
The development will be subject to a longterm lease agreement with a leisure operator , the income from which will recoup the council ’ s initial investment .
Ellen Thinnesen , chief executive of Education Partnership North East and chair of Sunderland Business Partnership , said : “ This is a huge announcement that will enhance Sunderland ’ s reputation as a dynamic city and a fantastic place to live , work , study and play .
“ There is a palpable sense of excitement and ambition in Sunderland right now , and a real momentum-build with positive announcement after positive announcement .
“ What a brilliant time for the city and a bright future ahead .”
Sir David Bell , vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of Sunderland , said : “ I have always said that a strong university needs a strong city and today ’ s announcement further strengthens Sunderland ’ s ambition to be a great place to live , work and study .
“ We look forward to working with the City Council and other partners as this exciting plan comes to fruition .”
Sharon Appleby , chief executive of Sunderland BID , said : “ The most aspirational and successful city centres are those that are able to attract visitors and residents , with a blended offer of retail , food and drink and experience-led leisure . “ This announcement is a significant one , creating a new leisure destination that will attract yet more businesses who want to be part of the city ’ s journey and who can take advantage of the huge investment and transformation underway in the heart of Sunderland .
“ This is good news for our existing traders , delivering a facility that will complement the existing offer in Sunderland , and grow Sunderland ’ s reputation as an ambitious city with world-class facilities and attractions .
“ And it ' s great news for residents , who can look forward to the next exciting stage of the city ’ s evolution .”
Natasha McDonough , chair of the Sunderland Area at the North East England Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Sunderland-based MMC Research & Marketing , said : “ Developments like this create jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses , as well as boosting trade for the companies already on the doorstep , so it ’ s a hugely positive step forward for the city to attract investment on this scale .
“ The transformation we are seeing in Sunderland city centre is rapid , and the arrival of experience-based leisure will complement the new commercial and residential developments that are progressing right now , helping keep people in the city , spending their money and boosting the economy .”
wear . business – the voice of business for the Wear region | 37