Sunderland arc (Sunderland Area Regeneration Company Ltd) is an urban regeneration company (URC), set up in 2002 to guide and deliver the physical regeneration of large areas within the city of Sunderland. It is part of the government sponsored Urban Renaissance aimed at the transformation of the economic and social life of cities.
The arc was formally established as a public-interest, private company limited by guarantee following the closures and associated job losses at Grove Cranes and the Vaux Brewery, both of which were key private employers in traditional industries close to the city centre.
To help undertake its work, Sunderland arc is supported by a powerful local, regional and national partnership of Sunderland City Council, One North East and Homes and Communities Agency, who jointly fund the regeneration company’s programme together with additional support the European Regional Development Fund.
Sunderland arc’s remit is to:
- Act as the lead body for physical regeneration initiatives within its boundary
- Promote masterplans and development briefs to guide future development
- Co-ordinate site assembly and development
- Secure external (private) funding to supplement public sector investment
Overall, the Sunderland arc area:
- extends to approximately 542 hectares (1,340 acres);
- comprises approximately 1,750 businesses;
- contains 306 hectares (756 acres) of Brownfield development land
