New EV (Electric Vehicle) charge points across city parks and visitor sites

Sunderland's status as a centre for electric vehicles (EVs) is being boosted with more charging points at visitor sites and country parks.

The 12 new locations support the City Council's wider ambitions to create one of the best public charging networks in the country. The decision at the council's cabinet meeting (Thursday 15 January) includes appointing a single charge‑point operator to supply, manage and operate the new facilities.

The £1m (£1,009,127) programme installing the charging points comes at no cost to the council as it is part of a wider £4m grant received as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness' programme to roll-out EV charging in cities, towns and villages across the North East.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Councillor Lindsey Leonard, the City Council's portfolio holder for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, said: "These new locations further improve EV charging options across the city and add another £1m worth of infrastructure with no funding required from the council.

"The additional 12 locations at public parks and public buildings will be complementing existing EV charging at city centre car parks and the hubs that are now being delivered across all wards in the city.

"The key aim of this project is to plug gaps between those priorities previously identified by the council and other commercial sites. Drivers will be able to enjoy their visit to the park, museum or sports centre, and be able to charge their vehicle.

"With the third generation Nissan Leaf now rolling off production lines and further developments on gigafactories and EV battery manufacturing, new charge points at these popular locations show how as a city we continue to be at the heart of the development and on-going switch toward a more low-carbon economy."

The programme is aligned with the council's EV Roadmap, City Plan and Low Carbon Action Plan. These, together with the new funding, are all about increasing access to charging, encouraging the transition to cleaner vehicles, and reducing carbon emissions across the city.

There are currently more than 515 publicly accessible charge-points across the city. Each of the new locations is anticipated to have up to four new charge-points.

The first phase of installations will take place at: Elemore Park, Herrington Country Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park and Washington F‑Pit.

A second phase, subject to further assessment and consultation, includes Barnes Park, Bonemill Lane, Bowes Railway Museum, Hylton Castle grounds car park, Raich Carter Sports Centre, Rectory Park, Thompson Park and Washington Wildfowl Trust.

Ward councillors have been taking part in consultation with positive feedback on the proposals.

Introducing the new charge‑points at well‑used public spaces will provide convenient, modern facilities for both residents and visitors, and improve accessibility for drivers who may not have access to home charging. The contractor appointment will also establish future operational and revenue‑sharing arrangements.

Councillor Leonard added: "Expanding high‑quality EV charging across our parks and visitor destinations is an important step in supporting cleaner travel and meeting our long‑term climate commitments. This investment ensures our city continues to lead the way in sustainable transport infrastructure."

The council is now progressing the procurement and appointment of a single charge‑point operator to draw-up the installation timetable. 

The charge-point usage will require a payment per kwh based on charging speed. These will be determined once an operator is appointed

The report to cabinet can be read here: Cabinet EV infrastructure report