IT’S HAPPENING
IN SUNDERLAND

We are creating a vibrant city centre with opportunities for everyone.

Access invaluable business support, learn about how our city is developing, access an array of fantastic events and see everything that’s #HappeningInSunderland city centre – all in one place.

WE’RE IMPROVING
SUNDERLAND

We are working to create a city we can all be proud of. Our priorities ensure our goals are met and we are accountable for the promises we make.

These three priorities represent our driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure our city centre business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.

City PRIDE

We are changing perceptions and building civic pride by ensuring our city centre is a welcoming, safe, clean, and attractive environment for everyone.

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City VOICE

We provide a robust and collective voice for our businesses at the highest level to make good things happen to improve Sunderland city centre’s trading environment.

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City PROMOTION

We raise the profile of Sunderland regionally and nationally and create a year-round programme of city-wide marketing activities, high-profile events, and promotional campaigns.

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WE ARE
YOUR BID

Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) is a collaborative effort driven by businesses, united under a single vision: to create a vibrant city centre with opportunities for everyone.

Since our inception in 2014, we have injected over £6 million into enhancing the city centre. Through the backing of our levy payers, business stakeholders, and essential partners, we have formulated a pragmatic and attainable blueprint for the future.

BECOME AN
AFFILIATE MEMBER

All businesses and organisations benefit from the work we do in Sunderland.

Therefore, we have extended many of the benefits our levy payers enjoy to other businesses in the city centre and around Sunderland by creating an Affiliate Scheme.

Find out how we can support your business.

WHAT IS
GOVERNANCE?

Governance might seem a boring and dry subject, but actually, it can be fascinating and hugely dynamic as it consists of the processes, policies and laws which will affect how an organisation is managed.

In the case of Sunderland BID, the processes and policies are directed and controlled by our Board of Directors to ensure that performance and risk are managed effectively.

LATEST EVENTS

    • SUNNISIDE
      FOOD MARKET

      22 February 2025

      Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.

      From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.

    • Bridges Christmas Market

      Makers &
      Bakers Market

      1 March 2025

      A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. 
      Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more! 

      Entry is free. 

    • singo bingo

      Singo
      Bingo

      8 March 2025

      THE ULTIMATE PARTY IS BACK… IT’S SINGO TIME ONCE AGAIN!
      Get ready to TURN UP the energy and join The Point, SUNDERLAND for the wildest music bingo experience EVER!
      This is no ordinary night out. It’s an electric evening packed with non-stop hits, singing, dancing, and epic prizes – all in one unforgettable party.

      Forget traditional bingo – SINGO takes it to the next level. There’s no boring downtime, no awkward silences, just wall-to-wall fun. The MUSIC IS THE BINGO, so you’ll be marking off songs, not numbers, as you sing, dance, and party your way to victory.
      This isn’t just a game – it’s a full-on celebration. And with LIMITED TICKETS available, you don’t want to miss your chance to be part of it. BOOK

    • Sheepfolds Stables

      Sheepfolds
      Stables Market

      9 March 2025

      Artisan food and drink market, in conjunction with Local Heroes, will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!

    • SHREK THE
      MUSICAL (University)

      13 March 2025

      The University of Sunderland presents Shrek the Musical!

      Join Shrek and Donkey on a family-friendly adventure in a land far, far away.

    • SUNNISIDE
      FOOD MARKET

      22 March 2025

      Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.

      From brewers, bakers, and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors, our north east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.

    • TINA – The Tina
      Turner Musical

      26 March 2025

      Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Experience her inspiring story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender and race to conquer the world against all odds.

      Presented in association with Tina Turner, written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall (The Mountaintop) and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!), this five-star show is “simply the best” (Daily Mail).

    • Game of
      II Halves

      17 April 2025

      The Game of II Halves project aims to promote positive mental health messaging and destigmatise conversations around male mental health, suicide and self-harm. Through the recruitment of ambassadors, monthly engagement in workshops and positive engagement in this conference, increased awareness can help normalise healthy conversations around mental health issues and provide an outlet for those in distress.

      BOOK NOW

    BUSINESS PLAN

    THE FUTURE OF OUR
    SUNDERLAND BID

    SEE THE 2024-2029 BID BUSINESS PLAN

    OUR CITY
    IN NUMBERS

    ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT
    (2019-2024)
    £13,396,790
    INVESTED BACK INTO THE CITY CENTRE
    (2019-2024)
    £3,300,000
    ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL FOOTFALL
    (2019-2024)
    440,000