This week, TOWN Development Manager Kate Percival welcomed visitors from Birkenhead to share their thoughts around stewardship models in areas of urban regeneration as part of TOWN’s work for Sunderland’s Sunniside Place Strategy.

The Community Panel for the Dock Branch neighbourhood in Birkenhead has been formed to drive community-led action in this area of the Wirral, and support in shaping plans in the area.

The Community Panel visited Sunderland to exchange knowledge and insights on the stewardship of urban regeneration areas.During their visit, the panel met with Jo Cooper, CEO of Back on the Map, who shared learning from the recently completed Community Improvement District pilot in a neighbouring community, funded by DLUHC. This pilot used a community-led governance approach to enhance a local high street in the area.

Discussions focussed on a stewardship approach to place management and development, examining the agents of change in regeneration models in both Sunderland and Birkenhead. Challenges such as skills, risk, access to funding, networks and data were addressed, along with identifying the necessary conditions to support sustained locally-led progress.

Throughout 2023, TOWN has been working with Sunderland City Council to develop a Place Strategy and investment plan for Sunniside. This area, a significant part of Sunderland City’s urban core, houses an entrepreneurial and creative community, heritage assets and potential opportunity sites. The delivery of the Place Strategy involves an action-focussed plan, bringing together stakeholders and investors to collaboratively secure the delivery of sustainable change.