Leadership blog - 18.02.20

As we've moved into February I'm delighted to say that the announcements I said were in the pipeline for 2020, have kept on coming.

I've talked previously about major regeneration plans in the city centre including the Riverside Sunderland development which we launched in November.

The most exciting part about it is it's not just a plan on paper, but it's a plan coming to life from the outset with real developments happening on the ground.

By the time of the launch we already had two occupants confirmed in the Beam, the first building on the former Vaux site, and this week I am delighted to report that a third, tech company Asset55, are also set to move in, bringing further jobs to the city centre.

Yet more businesses also recently announced they're going to be bringing their fantastic food to the STACK at Seaburn when it opens in the Spring, so we will now have the flavours of Mexico and Thailand to look forward to and a lovely coffee outlet.

And, I am very pleased to report that there's another exciting piece of news this week with the announcement that we're going to have the Lamplight Festival in Mowbray Park on the 8th and 9th of August. More details including how to get tickets can be found on the festival's information pages.

Headlining on the Saturday will be superstars the Kaiser Chiefs and Sunderland band Frankie and the Heartstrings will also play.  Then on the Sunday we'll have more amazing world-class music from Deacon Blue and KT Tunstall.

I'm looking forward to hearing soon what other acts and activities are going to be part of this very special, summer music festival that none of us will want to miss!

Cllr Graeme Miller
Leader