Sunderland Welcomes Chancellor and Secretary of State to Our Smart City

News

18th December 2024

Topic Insights
Technology
Sector Insights

On December 12th, we welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, alongside Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Rt Hon Peter Kyle, and Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland Central to Sunderland.

The visit provided our guests with the chance to see first-hand how, alongside our partners including Boldyn Networks, we’re using innovative technology at the heart of everything we do to deliver better services for residents and a strong economy in Sunderland. Our visitors were hosted by Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, Patrick Melia, alongside Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Michael Mordey, and Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services, Liz St Louis.

Introducing our Smart City Journey and Partnerships

During the visit, our guests were introduced to Sunderland’s smart city journey, where we exemplified the city’s progress, showcasing how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts are making Sunderland a beacon of smart city success. We shared our story of progress as the UK’s Smartest City, and introduced our ground-breaking 20-year smart city joint venture with Boldyn Networks. This partnership has established the UK’s most advanced urban wireless connectivity and supports a wide range of transformative projects, from energy efficiency and smart play, to assistive technology and autonomous mobility. Sunderland is growing its reputation as a digital trailblazer, a place that is embracing the many benefits that connectivity and technology can bring to its people and businesses.

 

Leaving No one and Nowhere Behind

Our smart city vision is underscored by a citywide digital inclusion programme, ensuring all residents can benefit from the city’s regeneration and the opportunities it brings – leaving no one and nowhere behind. Our guests were invited to learn about the impact of our community Digital Health Hubs. Students from Monkwearmouth Academy and volunteers from North East Sport Digital Health Hub met our visitors, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating the value of digital inclusion in building a connected and thriving community.

 

Transforming into a City of the Future

We were delighted to welcome our visitors on-site at Culture House, a landmark development showcasing Sunderland’s remarkable regeneration as part of Riverside Sunderland’s transformation into a city centre of the future. Our visitors enjoyed a hard-hat tour of the site and also experienced the new Sunderland Pavilion in Keel Square, one of the UK’s largest immersive screens.

 

Due to open in Autumn 2025, Culture House will be the National Centre for Creative Smart Cities, a multi-purpose cultural venue featuring interactive digital experiences and the new home of the City Library. In addition to the new Culture House, residents can access Creative Smart City Hubs in Washington Library and Houghton Library, which feature a year-round programme of activities.

With over £2 billion of private and public sector investment in the city centre, and over £25 million of government investment in our city, Sunderland is undergoing the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration programme. Sunderland City Council is pleased to be delivering a wide range of projects to reshape the skyline and breathe new life into our smart city.

This visit marked a very proud moment for Sunderland, and we are grateful to our visitors for taking the time to see how Sunderland is leading the way in creating the UK’s Smartest City, leaving no one and nowhere behind.

Translate