A BLUEPRINT for 10,000 new jobs in one of the North-East's economic blackspots was unveiled today.
The 15-year plan, commissioned by trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers, promise to create thousands of new jobs and lead to the development of more than 1,000 new homes in Sunderland.
The scheme, outlined at the Stadium of Light by One NorthEast chairman Dr John Bridge, is aimed at areas from the A19 to the port, along the south bank of the River Wear _ and takes in some of the city's most deprived areas.
It includes plans for the regeneration of West Pennywell, the former Groves Crane site, the former Vaux Brewery site and the Port of Sunderland.
A new four-star hotel and regional trade centre will be built on the former Vaux Brewery site, with a world-class architects competing in international design competitions to raise the profile of design in the city.
A cultural quarter is proposed for Old Sunderland, contrasting with proposals for the former Groves Cranes site, which will be transformed into a business and residential neighbourhood.
This will include a digital business park, state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, a university-supported business incubator facility and 800 new high-quality, private sector homes.
The plans will be driven forward by a proposed new ARC Regeneration Company which will be run by an executive with strong private sector representation on the board and direct public and private sector involvement.
Dr Bridge, who also chairs the ARC Regeneration Company last week asked Mr Byers to consider ploughing long-term investment into the city with Government capital funding.
He said: "Our meeting was very constructive and we are confident that the overall vision is ambitious, yet at the same time realistic.
"The next step to is ensure that the plans are driven forward with enthusiasm and passion, but with the emphasis on business and value for money."
Meanwhile, international filmmaker and Sunderland University chancellor Lord Puttnam yesterday visited Hendon in the city to see the finishing touches being put to the £3.1 Stanfield Business Centre.
Designed and built by Bowey Construction for Sunderland City Council, the new business centre will be run as managed workspace for small and start up businesses.
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