Sunderland has a bold vision to create a connected, international city with opportunities for all. We want Sunderland to make a significant contribution to the UK’s economic growth, through inward investment, job creation and new opportunities for all residents of the city. We are guided by the aspiration for residents to thrive and feel pride in their city. Our smart city projects, including the new Sunderland Pavilion, are influenced by Sunderland’s ambitious city plan.
Keel Square in Sunderland has become a hub of innovation and community engagement with the introduction of the Sunderland Pavilion, a temporary glass ‘house’ featuring one of the UK’s largest immersive screens.
The project, spearheaded by Sunderland City Council, aims to showcase the city’s advanced digital infrastructure and smart city capabilities, supported by the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) 5G Innovation Regions grant.
The Sunderland Pavilion exemplifies our smart city technology, integrating a 10m x 5m screen with two 5m x 5m wings capable of live streaming content globally via Sunderland’s 5G network.
The Pavilion serves as an exhibition space, offering a viewing platform for the new National Centre for Creative Smart Cities, Culture House. Its translucent material provides stunning 3D visual displays, creating an immersive experience. This structure not only exhibits cutting-edge technology but also harmonise with the urban landscape, presenting innovative living, working, and leisure concepts.
The Sunderland Pavilion has transformed Keel Square into a vibrant, technologically advanced public space. By engaging the community through immersive displays and interactive exhibitions, it has enhanced the city’s appeal and foster a sense of belonging among residents. The Pavilion’s design and functionality aim to inspire visitors, enable future-proofed urban living, and encourage regional investment and collaboration.