Tag: sunderland

£3m Investment Secured for City Centre as Businesses Vote Yes to Sunderland BID…

By on 4th December 2018in Business
Business Improvement District

Sunderland Business Improvement District will continue for a further five years, after city centre businesses voted yes to secure its future.

The results of the ballot for the BID to continue for a second term was announced this morning (29 November) with an overwhelming vote in favour.

72.7 per cent of votes cast by businesses supported the BID, which amounted to 77.1 per cent of businesses by rateable value.

More than 51 per cent of businesses voted – way above the national average.

And that means the BID will now be able to turn into reality its long term strategy to make the city centre a welcoming, safe, clean and attractive environment for businesses and visitors.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, said the organisation now has the opportunity to build on the foundations which had already been laid.

“This is a great vote of confidence in the work that has already been done and we can build on those successes to help Sunderland city centre become the vibrant and prosperous place it deserves to be,” she said.

“Going forward it is about continuing to work in close partnership with leading organisations, the council and of course the levy payers so that we can turn the vision for the city into a reality.

“We’d also like to thank all the businesses who have given their support and who have put their confidence in us.

The BIDs plan for the next five years is built on three main priorities – City Pride, City Promotion and City Voice – with the bid already unveiling some of its ideas for each of these areas.

This includes strengthening its street ranger team as part of City Pride, along with plans for a food and drink festival and the continued Christmas programme under its City Promotion pledge

The BID is also planning to take an active role in bidding for a share of the High Street Fund, recently announced by the Chancellor.

“We can bid for up to £25m and the BID will be playing an important part in ensuring that Sunderland gets a share of this fund,” said Sharon.

Today’s good news has also been welcomed by chair of the BID board, Alan Patchett, who said it was great news for the city.

“We are absolutely delighted the BID has won the support of the city centre businesses, who see its value and have given us the opportunity to work on their behalf going forward,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the BID team for their hard work over the last five years. They have played an important part in us achieving this great outcome.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Centre, added that it was a good day for the city.

“We’re delighted that city centre businesses have agreed to a second five year term for Sunderland Business Improvement District,” he said.

“The BID has played a key part in helping increase the vibrancy of Sunderland city centre in the last few years by introducing popular attractions like the twice yearly restaurant weeks, the Fanzone, Hadrian’s Tipi and the Christmas ice rink at Keel Square that help bring people into the heart of the city.

“Voting the BID in for another term will allow them to carry on this good work at the same time as trying some new things like the introduction of street rangers as well as continuing to give city centre businesses a voice.”

The BID’s new term will begin in April 2019.

Santa Makes Way for Artists…

By on 22nd November 2018in What's On?

An innovative arts scheme will see the traditional Christmas grotto turned on its head, to make way for some of the North East’s most talented creatives.

The Artists’ Grotto will be opening its doors in Sunderland’s Blandford Street on 22 November, which will see painters and poets holding sessions up until 23 December.

The scheme, which is being curated by former University of Sunderland graduate Vincent R Todd and financed by the city’s Business Improvement District, working in partnership with Sunderland Culture through its Great Place scheme, will also give shoppers and families the opportunity to make their own artistic contribution.

The grotto, which will be created from a garden shed, will have an outside wall comprised of a blackboard which passers-by can use to draw or write a message and another wall which is to be used for ‘Christmas graffiti.’

Vincent, a former curator in residence at Mackie’s Corner, funded through Sunderland Culture, during The Tall Ships Races earlier this year, believes the project will be something unique.

“It’s a very different slant on a traditional grotto and a great way to get people involved in the arts who might not want to go to more traditional venues,” he said.

“We’ve got some very different artists who are going to be there every Thursday to Sunday so hopefully people will become regular visitors to see all the different things that are going on.”

Among those taking part is poet Ian Horn who will be writing poems on a typewriter in the shed and handing them out to the public, as well as painters Jessica Browne and Jayne Parker Johnson.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, believes the unusual grotto – which has also been nicknamed the Culture Shed – will add a different element to the festivities.

“At the busiest time of year it’s fantastic to be able to give artists an opportunity to showcase their skills and to bring something unique into the city centre, which everyone can participate in,” she said.

“We hope people will take the trouble to head to Blandford Street to see everything that’s going on and also join in.”

The project is also supported by Sunderland Culture as part of its Great Place scheme. Helen Ross, Producer at Sunderland Culture, said: “We’re excited to be working with Vincent Todd and the BID on the Culture Shed project.

“Our aim is to use creativity to attract more people into one of the city centre’s main shopping streets.

“The Culture Shed will be an ‘artists’ grotto’ providing space for artists to work, run workshops or create performances. It will be a talking point, a source of curiosity that will draw people into Blandford Street.

“This commission forms part of our Unlock Sunderland Cultural Spark project, in which we’re working with Sunderland’s Heritage Action Zone to bring underused spaces back to life though creativity and culture.”

The Great Place programme is jointly funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England (ACE) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to put arts and culture at the heart of local communities.

Cabinet To Discuss More 20mph Limits Around Schools

By on 11th December 2016in In & Around

A successful scheme to introduce 20mph speed limits on roads near County Durham schools could be extended.

Part-time limits are already being put in place near more than 30 schools across the county following the launch of the initiative in 2014.

Now members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet are being asked to approve a list of 33 more schools to be included in the scheme.

The schools have been selected based on factors including traffic speeds, accident data and potential risk to pedestrians.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Lower speed limits have now been implemented at almost all of the schools chosen for the first phase of the scheme.

“This is not only ahead of schedule but also under budget. That’s why, earlier this year, Cabinet was able to agree that the money we have left should be spent on doubling the number of schools covered by the scheme.

“Our aim is to improve road safety and promote a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging more people to walk or cycle instead of using the car.”

The project is funded by a one-off Public Health Grant of £952,850 and is accompanied by an education programme which aims to make children more road aware, promote cycling and walking and increase speed awareness among motorists.

Cabinet meets at County Hall on Wednesday, 14 December.

If the recommendations are approved, part-time 20mph speed limits would be introduced on roads near the following schools:

 

Annfield Plain Infant School, Annfield Plain

Annfield Plain Junior School, Annfield Plain

Byron Sixth Form College, Peterlee

Chester-le-Street C of E Primary, Chester-le-Street

Cockton Hill Infant and Junior School, Bishop Auckland

Consett Academy, Consett

Delves Lane Primary, Consett

Easington Academy, Easington

Easington Colliery Primary School, Easington

Framwellgate Moor Primary, Durham

Framwellgate School, Durham

Green Lane C of E Primary, Barnard Castle

Neville’s Cross Primary, Durham

New College, Durham

Our Lady and St Thomas RCVA Primary, Willington

Our Lady of the Rosary RCVA Primary, Peterlee

Our Lady Star of the Sea RCVA Primary, Horden

Pelton Community Primary, Pelton

Ropery Walk Primary, Seaham

Roseberry Primary and Nursery School, Pelton

Sacriston Primary, Sacriston

Seaham Harbour Nursery, Seaham

Shield Row Primary, Stanley

Shotton Hall Primary, Peterlee

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Peterlee

St Bede’s RCVA Comprehensive School, Lanchester

St Joseph’s RCVA Primary, Stanley

St Leonard’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Durham

Tanfield School Specialist College of Science and Engineering, Stanley

Teesdale School, Barnard Castle

The Academy at Shotton Hall, Peterlee

Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College, Spennymoor

Willington Primary, Willington

Park Up And Picnic At Katherine Jenkins Concert This Friday

By on 3rd May 2016in Entertainment

Classical music fans are being given the chance to park up and picnic at a special concert taking place next week…

Singing superstar Katherine Jenkins will be performing live in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland on Friday (May 6).

As part of the event, organised by Northern Sessions, fans can now enjoy a luxury, organic picnic platter made up of ethically-produced ingredients from nearby RIVERFORD Farms.

The British-themed platter, which comes complete with biodegradable plates, cutlery and cups, will be available to take away from the Big Green Café Bus, a customised double decker with a fully fitted commercial kitchen.

Each serving will include a mix of carrot and celery sticks, baby tomatoes on the vine, bruschetta biscuits, marinated olives, homemade hummus, baby back ribs in BBQ sauce, salt and pepper honey glazed chicken wings, prawns with a picante dip and strawberries.

Two homemade soups will be available at an additional rate, with a choice of carrot and coriander or broccoli and stilton, both served with French stick slices.

To help cater for those travelling to the concert from around the North East and wider UK, Northern Sessions, part of events company Sunderland Live, have also arranged on-site car parking.

This is priced at £5 per car but must be booked in advance at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk

“This is a huge event for the North East and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people from around the region and further afield who are planning to attend,” said Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live.

“The addition of on-site parking and those amazing, organic picnic platters, will hopefully allow everyone to make the most of their evening watching Katherine, as well as helping to protect the stunning setting of Herrington Country Park.”

A limited number of tickets for Katherine Jenkins, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed violinists Vladimir and Anton, are still available priced at £33 each.

Doors will open at 5.30pm, with live music beginning at 7pm.

Picnic platters, priced at £15 each and soup, priced at £3.50 each, will served throughout the evening at the Big Green Café Bus.

For more information visit www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk, follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Classical Music Fans Have Another Reason To ‘Celebrate’

By on 22nd April 2016in Entertainment

Classical music star Katherine Jenkins releases her new album today (April 22) – and fans now have their own reason to celebrate…

To mark the launch of Katherine’s latest CD, Celebration, the organisers of her forthcoming concert at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, have created a special hospitality package for the event.

This includes complimentary on-site car parking, red carpet entry to a designated structure with captivating exteriors on lavish grounds, a welcome drink on arrival, a luxury picnic hamper and access to an outdoor seating area and separate toilets throughout the outdoor performance on Friday May 6.

Katherine’s concert, which also features appearances by the National Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed violinists Vladimir and Anton, is the first to be organised by Northern Sessions, a new business area for Sunderland Live.

Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live, said: “Katherine Jenkins is one of the most popular stars in classical music and I’m sure her new album will only serve to strengthen this success even further.

“We hope that fans of all ages will join us on May 6 to celebrate Katherine and her music and are confident that the new hospitality package will allow them to do so in even greater style.”

The hospitality package for Katherine Jenkins at Herrington Country Park is priced at £100 per person and available in limited numbers.  Standard tickets are also available priced at £33 each.  Both can be purchased at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk.

For more information follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Katherine Jenkins Performance Introduces Exclusive Event Marquees

By on 18th April 2016in Entertainment

Two relative newcomers are bringing a breath of fresh air to the festival circuit ahead of a landmark North East event…

Northern Sessions and Contemporary Event Structures are joining forces to cater for classical music fans at a special outdoor performance by songbird Katherine Jenkins in Sunderland next month.

The concert, on Friday May 6, is the first to be organised by Northern Sessions, a division of events company Sunderland Live, which plans to bring more big names to the city in the coming months.

It is also one of the first North East contracts for Birmingham-based Contemporary Event Structures, which will be supplying four inflatable marquees for the concert in Herrington Country Park.

These cube-shaped structures, measuring up to 15m by 30m, will each house a separate pop-up bar provided by specialist subsidiary Contemporary Event Bars, including a Pimms bar, Prosecco bar and main bar for all attendees, as well as a separate bar for hospitality guests.

“Herrington Country Park is an amazing space but there is little on site to cater for visitors in large numbers,” said Alison McDonough, Chief Executive of Sunderland Live.

“The inflatable marquees offered by Contemporary Event Structures represent the perfect solution and their pop up bars will allow all our concert goers to enjoy Pimms, Prosecco and other drinks throughout the evening.”

Contemporary Event Structures, which launched its specialist bars arm in 2012, offers a wide range of inflatable and temporary event structures, all of which are relatively simple to install and secured for safety.

The company’s existing clients include Bentley Lamborghini, BBC and the University of Bath.

“We have already worked with several prestigious companies and are delighted to be bringing our innovative solutions to Northern Sessions, Sunderland and indeed the North East,” said Ryan Miller, Director at Contemporary Event Structures.

Tickets for Katherine Jenkins at Herrington Country Park, supported by the National Symphony Orchestra and violinists Vladimir and Anton are priced at £33 each and available from www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk

For more information please visit the website, follow @thenorthernsess on Twitter or search The Northern Sessions on Facebook.

Further details about the services offered by Contemporary Event Structures can also be found by visiting www.contemporaryeventstructures.co.uk or calling 0121 7483377

Sunderland Brands Join Forces For 2016 Air Show

By on 15th April 2016in Local Biz

Two of Sunderland’s biggest brands are joining forces to cater for visitors at one of the city’s most popular events…

1879 Events Management, part of the SoL hospitality brand, has been awarded a new contract to provide a wide range of services at the Sunderland International Airshow 2016.

The event, which annually attracts close to a million visitors, returns for its 28th year from Friday July 22, with a host of airborne acrobatics, air displays and entertainment at Roker and Seaburn seafront.

As part of the event, organised by Sunderland Live, 1879 Events Management will now be operating a world food and drink village in the former amusement park overlooking Seaburn beach and providing new hospitality packages for VIP guests throughout the weekend, as well as a family zone.

Sue Stanhope, Airshow Director, said: “The Sunderland International Airshow is one of the North East’s biggest events, not just in terms of visitor numbers but in the positive impact it has on the economy too.

“This year we’ve got another exciting line up and we are delighted that 1879 Events Management have come on board to add a new dimension to the weekend’s food offering and help enhance the overall visitor experience.”

1879 Events Management, which currently runs catering and events operations at the Stadium of Light and National Glass Centre, Sunderland, has successfully managed a wide range of high profile events since launching in 2012, including concerts, weddings, business dinners and festivals.

It was recently awarded an extended five year contract to provide catering for leading LGBT festival, Newcastle Pride, which also takes place in July.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC and 1879 Events Management, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved in some of the North East’s biggest events over the past four years and we are thrilled to now be lending the same expertise to such an amazing occasion in our home city of Sunderland.

“With the Sunderland International Airshow and Newcastle Pride both taking place in July and Beyonce’s concert at the Stadium of Light to look forward to in June, it looks set to be another busy summer for 1879 Events Management and our partners.”

Full details for 1879 Event Management’s food village and hospitality packages for the Sunderland International Airshow will be released in due course via www.1879events.com or @1879Events on Twitter.

To enquire, or for more details, please contact airshow2016@1879events.com

More information about the event itself can also be found at www.sunderlandinternationalairshow.co.uk

Olympian And Author Join Runners In Upcoming Sunderland Marathon

By on 5th April 2016in In & Around

Former Olympian Steve Cram and author Terry Deary joined runners gearing up for the Sunderland City 10k and Half Marathon…

Steve’s company, Events of the North, is organising the races on May 1, which are both sponsored by development company Siglion.

A 5K run was held on the beach at Seaburn, led by Steve and Terry, the author of the Horrible Histories books, with running clubs and members of the public training for the Sunderland races. It was one of a number of Start Me Up for Sunderland training sessions being organised around the city, in the lead up to the events.

Steve said: “The seafront section in both the half marathon and 10K routes is always very popular with runners and spectators alike, and we love being able to showcase that Sunderland is a city by the sea. “This year’s Start Me Up For Sunderland sessions have all been really successful and this was no exception, thanks in no small part to the contributions of Siglion and Terry.”

John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “The training session was really well attended.

“It was a great opportunity for people who have perhaps never run at Seaburn to take advantage of the wonderful stretch of beach and seafront location.

“There was the added bonus of training with Steve Cram and Terry Deary, who is from Seaburn, and is supporting our plans to put the area back on the map as a major leisure destination for the North East.

“Sunderland is a fantastic city by the sea and we’re lucky to have a location like Seaburn, which can attract people into Sunderland.

“Our proposals for Seaburn are very much geared towards turning the area back into a great destination for local people and visitors alike.”

To find out more about the two runs visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.

Sunderland Bridges Hosts Fashion Weekend

By on 3rd April 2016in Lifestyle

Top trends from leading retailers will be on show this month as Sunderland’s leading shopping centre hosts its Fashion Weekend…

From April 21 – 24 the Bridges will be holding daily fashion shows, showcasing the exciting new looks being offered in a range of the centre’s shops.

Already a whole host of major names have signed up to participate including Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, New Look, Next and Primark.

Also taking part in the shows are Roman Originals, Select, Swarovksi, Topman, Topshop and TX Maxx, with the promise of others signing up to showcase their latest looks on the catwalk.

“We have a wide variety of retailers at the Bridges with clothes for both men and women and for all ages,” said Andy Bradley, Centre Director.

“The Fashion Weekend gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer in what promises to be a number of fun and exciting shows.

“We are delighted to see so many of our leading retailers getting behind the event and we look forward to welcoming lots of fashion conscious visitors.”

Daytime shows will run at various times throughout the Fashion Weekend (April 21-24).

A fashion show will also feature as part of the Retail and Style Awards being held at the Bridges on Saturday April 23, in an evening which includes a black tie dinner and performances by top musical acts Lawson, Izzy Bizu and the Lake Poets.

Independent Distillery Finds Magic Number Of Botanicals

By on 26th March 2016in Local Biz

A new independent small batch distillery, based in the North East, has found the magic number for crafting award-winning gin…

Poetic License, which launched at the Roker Hotel, Sunderland late last year, uses 13 botanicals for its Northern Dry Gin and its Old Tom Gin – both of which won accolades in the Gin of the Year competition at the Craft Distilling Expo 2015.

The majority of the Northern Dry Gin’s botanical bill is made up of juniper berries, imported from Italy, as well as coriander seeds and cardamom pods, which are hand-crushed on site to create a greater surface area for oil extraction.

These are combined with 10 additional botanicals, including rose petals, cubeb pepper, Persian dried limes and Angelica root, to give Poetic License’s Northern Dry Gin (43.2%Vol.) a punchier flavour than many others on the market.

Similarly the brand’s Old Tom Gin (41.6%Vol.), which took first prize in its category at the Gin of the Year awards, combines majority juniper and coriander with 11 other botanicals, including hibiscus and black pepper, cassia bark, liquorice root, lime leaves and rose petals.

This gives the finished product a natural sweetness, without the need for added sugar.  After distillation the gin is rested in oak, to produce a rose gold colouring.

Luke Smith, Distiller for Poetic License, said: “While Northern Dry and Old Tom are both true to their gin style we’ve also worked hard to make them unique.

“Putting our own spin on the original idea has given the spirits far more character and we hope they will appeal to those free-thinkers, who don’t necessarily conform to the norm.”

Poetic License, so-named for its wild spirits designed to appeal to discerning drinkers, was first launched by North East entrepreneur, Mark Hird, in September 2015.

The micro-distillery, one of only a handful in the region, currently produces three core products – Northern Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin and Graceful Vodka – all of which are distilled on site and bottled by hand.

“From the very beginning I wanted Poetic License to produce something completely different to the gins and vodkas already on the market,” said Mark.

“Not only are our processes very artisanal, but we have also experimented widely with various botanicals to ensure our flavours really pack a punch.”

Poetic License products are currently being stocked in bars, hotels, restaurants and retailers across the North East, with plans to expand throughout the UK and internationally in the near future.

For more information visit www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk or contact Luke Smith on 0191 5103564 or luke@poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk for all trade sales enquiries.

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