TV presenter and architect George Clarke is helping to shape plans for housing on a key regeneration site in his North East hometown.
The Washington-born small-screen star has contributed to the masterplan for Riverside Sunderland, which envisages a mix of offices, public buildings and housing on the former Vaux Brewery site and the surrounding area.
He will also help launch the Sunderland Future Living Expo today, which is aiming to showcase Sunderland as a place to live on a national and international stage.
Mr Clarke is working with the council to explore how modern methods of construction and strong design principles can create homes that are truly cutting-edge at Riverside Sunderland. The first community of homes will be built by 2023, as part of a multi-million pound transformation programme that aim to reinvigorate Sunderland city centre.
Mr Clarke, who trained with Tyneside architects FaulknerBrowns, said: “I’m delighted to be part of this project. Riverside Sunderland is a prime development site and one that is worthy of world-class design and innovation.
“It is naturally stunning, with dramatic views over the river, and beautiful greenery that gives this a unique aspect. There is no doubt that the smart and sustainable homes being built at Riverside Sunderland will create a special place to live – somewhere with all the vitality of city centre living, teamed with the open spaces and scenic views that more suburban homes enjoy.”
Mr Clarke is one of a number of experts supporting the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which was released this week. The document sets out ambitions to kick-start the regeneration of a 33-hectare site spanning the River Wear, with the aim of creating up to 10,000 jobs.
The TV star will also take part in a webinar discussion focussing on the creation of local education, training and employment opportunities on the site, part of a week of online activities to showcase aspects of the Riverside Sunderland plan.
He said: “Sunderland’s riverside has long been an underutilised asset, and through the new masterplan, we will see it realise its potential.
"Homes are only a piece of the jigsaw, offices and leisure spaces are important too, and will create the vibrancy you would expect in a city centre. There will be a renewed sense of activity at Riverside Sunderland that hasn’t been experienced for a long.
" I am thrilled to be part of the team making that happen. It feels like the right people are on board to ensure that Sunderland does something very special here.”
