New city landmark delivers lasting community impact

Construction of the New Wear Footbridge is already providing a significant boost to the local economy, new figures have revealed.

Thanks to a series of initiatives led by lead contractor VolkerStevin, £3.1million worth of social value has been delivered to communities, demonstrating a lasting positive impact for locals, the natural environment and beyond.  

Since the start of construction in Spring 2023, 21 local people have secured jobs, four apprenticeship roles have been created, six work experience students supported and 66 hours of education engagement to local schools have been delivered.

Procuring from local suppliers, stipulated as "high priority" by Sunderland City Council during the tender process, has also seen VolkerStevin spend over £1.8m with Sunderland businesses and a further £4.4m spent with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see the New Wear Footbridge already having such a major impact on the city.

"One of the things we stipulate when going out to tender for Sunderland City Council-led projects is that as much of the Sunderland pound is kept in Sunderland as possible, and this is a fine example of how we're doing just that.

"The project is creating jobs for local people, opportunities for local businesses and invaluable education and training opportunities for youngsters, all while helping us deliver one of - if not - the UK's most ambitious city centre regeneration projects.

"It really is a central pillar of what we're trying to build here in Sunderland, and we can't wait to see how it continues to lift the local economy as work enters the final stage and it finally opens to the public next summer."

The construction of the new city landmark reached another significant milestone this month [2 Dec] when the final strand jacks used to lift heavy loads onto the structure were removed. Now the jacks have been disconnected, work will commence to secure the structure before finalisation works begin.

Olivia Murray, customer experience coordinator at VolkerStevin, said: "Delivering our projects in line with the ambitions we set out in our sustainability strategy, People-Planet-Purpose, is important to ensure that communities are at the heart of what we do. I'm proud of what the team have delivered on the New Wear Footbridge; not only has the local community and economy benefitted, but our employees have too."

Riverside Sunderland is recognised as one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects, with more than £500m of initiatives underway. The scheme seeks to double the number of people living within Sunderland city centre while providing workspace for 8,000 - 10,000 quality jobs.

Several major developments have already commenced as part of the regeneration programme, including the Maker & Faber office buildings, Culture House, Eye Hospital, Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), National Esports Arena, Farringdon Row Housing and Vaux Housing.

For more information on Riverside Sunderland, visit: https://www.riversidesunderland.com/