Sunderland stands tall with a rich cultural heritage; home to the award-winning Museum and Winter Gardens recognised by Visit England, the iconic Edwardian Empire Theatre, and the recently revitalized landmarks like Mackie’s Corner and the stunning Fire Station.
The latter will take centre stage as the vibrant venue for the North East Culture Awards this year, solidifying its role as the city's newest hub for live music and performance.
Honouring its rich cultural history, Sunderland is simultaneously embracing an exciting future with ongoing building developments along the riverside.
Notably, the construction of Culture House Sunderland, The National Centre for Creative Smart Cities, is underway and set to open in summer 2025.
Speaking about the development, Leanne Littlewood, Culture House Director said: "As Culture House begins to rise from the ground, the next generation of entrepreneurs will be moving in to harness cutting-edge digital technology and to power the creative resurgence of our ambitious city."
The multi-million-pound visitor attraction will provide a hub and spokes approach for all ages and demographics across the community that is Sunderland, creating a host of local jobs along the way.
"Over its four floors of glass, concrete and steel, Culture House will be a cultural and community venue like no other, with residents playing a huge part in defining the spaces and activities," Leanne added.
"The building itself overlooks the ever-changing Keel Square, a place that has quickly become the beating heart of the city centre, as part of the wider Riverside Sunderland development."
This modern cultural venue will offer an immersive, dynamic, digitally powered visitor experience, aims to inspire and entertain people of all ages in a stimulating and engaging environment to surprise, delight, excite and enrich the lives of every citizen of Sunderland as well as visitors from across the region and beyond.
A relaxing, welcoming meeting place and new home to the city library, it truly strives to be 'a living room in the heart of the city'.
Culture House is just one of a number of dynamic transformations underway within Riverside Sunderland. Supported by substantial investments, this comprehensive strategy encompasses significant projects throughout the city centre.
Among these initiatives are Maker & Faber, featuring two Grade A office spaces, the leisure-focused Sheepfolds Stables development, and a housing scheme unfolding on the historic Vaux Brewery site.
The overarching vision aims to double the residential population in the area and elevate employment opportunities by 50 per cent.
This represents an exciting future for cultural advancement in Sunderland and, indeed, throughout the broader North East of England.
Sunderland City Council takes immense pride in being a headline partner and host city for the prestigious 16th North East Culture Awards ceremony, a demonstration of their commitment to the vibrant cultural landscape of the area.