As Riverside Sunderland continues to revolutionise Wearside into a dynamic destination, three major institutions have partnered to create HICSA - a world-class education centre that will place Sunderland people at its core. Sunderland Vibe takes an in-depth look at the facility and its place within the city’s wider regeneration project…

HICSA, a ground-breaking £20m education facility is set to become a reality in the coming months after City Leaders recently approved planning permission for a visionary construction space in Sunderland city centre. The cutting-edge training facility will see Sunderland people trained to build and upgrade the city’s homes locally through a phased programme whilst simultaneously enabling the city to become one of the region’s leading hubs for modern construction methods. Furnished with ultra-contemporary equipment and dynamic learning spaces, HICSA will also be a driving force towards reducing carbon emissions, harvesting renewable energy and leading the way to a greener future through the use of sustainable technologies. Driven by Sunderland College, HICSA is an exquisite product of a collaboration between three of Sunderland’s major institutions; Sunderland College, Sunderland City Council and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE). The new educational space, which will be located in the Sheepfolds neighbourhood of Riverside Sunderland, has been in the pipeline for some years now and will support the city’s wider regeneration programme. Set to create more economic opportunities for people and businesses by enabling Sunderland to ‘build its own’, HICSA will also support Sunderland City Council’s strategy of creating a carbon-neutral city by 2040 - with local people delivering decarbonisation programmes for the city’s existing homes and neighbourhoods - to ensure the target is met.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive backing to move forward with our plans for HICSA, which we are so proud to be delivering in partnership with the council and MOBIE. This is about future-proofing our young people – ensuring that they have the skills that will power the economy of tomorrow and we’re thrilled to be able to advance this important agenda and play a part in building a green future for Sunderland. It’s a hugely positive step for the North East.”

HICSA is one of several ambitious projects that are incorporated in the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which sets out a development framework for this part of the city, comprising the former Vaux Brewery site, High Street West, Keel Square, Galley’s Gill, Farringdon Row and Sheepfolds. The Sunderland Future Living Expo – an event that will culminate in a Festival in 2023 – is also part of the plan. This citywide celebration will champion progress made, encourage industry and support local people in the delivery of innovative homes on the site, and position Sunderland as a world-class place to live, work and play.

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