Council outlines ambitions for city business centres

Sunderland City Council has outlined its ambition to continue driving economic growth through three city business centres.

The local authority has operated Evolve, Sunderland Software Centre and Washington Business Centre since the three facilities opened their doors in 2006, 2012 and 2014 respectively.

During that period, the dedicated commercial hubs have helped a wide range of businesses launch and grow, helping drive economic activity across the city.

Even in the face of crippling economic headwinds and the Covid pandemic, they have collectively accrued an average occupancy rate of 71.7% since 2019.

Now, the City Council is keen to build on this by partnering with a managing agent which will oversee the running of the three business centres and ensure contribution from the centres to the city's economy is maximised in the most cost-effective way.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, business and regeneration, said: "We have overseen a number of improvement programmes over recent years to ensure the centres continue to drive economic growth and meet the needs of tomorrow's businesses and this is the next iteration of that.

"Combined, the three centres have supported the growth of hundreds of businesses over the past two decades and this move will ensure they continue to play a key part helping our city's businesses realise their potential.

"From games developers to engineering firms, software houses, ecommerce specialists, offshore energy businesses and creative agencies, they have supported the creation of hundreds of jobs while providing a launchpad for so many to start up, innovate and grow and this is about putting the relevant measures in place to ensure they continue building on this success long into the future."

Sunderland City Council recently received planning consent to change the use of part of the ground, first and second floors at Sunderland Software Centre, following the relocation of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The change of use will see that part of the centre returned to its original use, broadening the scope of businesses it can house by providing 'offices to carry out any operational or administrative functions' and 'research and development of products or processes.'

Cllr Johnston added: "The successful managing agent will be expected to demonstrate expertise, experience and past success managing similar operations, particularly when it comes to increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.

"While Evolve and Washington Business Centre have strong occupancy rates, Sunderland Software Centre has seen its occupancy rate temporarily fall this past year following the departure of the DWP Job Centre.

"However, now that the centre is reverting in full to its original use, we are hopeful that an experienced managing agent will help attract more businesses to the city, ensuring the centre plays a greater role once again in boosting the city economy."

For more information on the business centres or Sunderland as a place to do business, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment