Organisation 'disappointed' over community centre letting dispute

A petition has been launched over the future of a forgotten Sunderland community centre in a clash with Sunderland City Council.

- by Katy Wheeler katy.wheeler @nationalworld.com @Katy Journo

Active Families North East submitted proposals to transform Southwick Community Centre, which has been empty for more than a year, into a cafe, soft play and wellness space and had even secured £500,000 to create the new space.

However, despite being the highest-scoring bidder for the lease, its plans have been put on hold by Sunderland City Council, who say they are reviewing its community asset policy.

Active Families already runs a number of successful community wellness and fitness groups across the North East and the group has previously won the Business In The Community Award at the 2022 Sunderland Business Excellence Awards.