Green charity puts down its new roots
Article Supplied by the Sunderland Echo
A leading environment charity has unlocked the door to a new future on Wearside.
Groundwork North East has moved into a new home in Norfolk Street, in the heart of the Sunniside regeneration area, Sunderland, to help provide regeneration programmes and environmental services to the city.
Groundwork covers all 12 local authority areas in the North East, working with local and regional partners to improve the quality of the environment and lives of local people and boost business.
Nicola Ramshaw, programme co-ordinator for Groundwork Sunderland, said: "Groundwork North East has had a presence in Sunderland for over two years and in that time has implemented and delivered a number of projects.
"We have an Eco schools programme which has seen 19 local schools achieve a silver award with five awarded the prestigious green flag.
"We have also implemented sustainable projects, including Greenstart, an initiative for birth to five years old, community allotments and green exercise in conjunction with Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust.
"These new offices, which we will share with out Tyne and Wear colleagues, will allow us to continue to deliver and expand our programme of works right here in the heart of the city".
"The chance to help redevelop the conservation area by taking over a building which had stood empty for six years, was an important part of the attraction", said Ground work Tyne and Wear director Sam Palombella.
"Thanks to the Sunniside Partnership, architect Ged McCormack and Murray's our excellent team of local builders, we have managed to transform 6 Norfolk Street into an excellent base", he said.
"Groundwork has a real commitment to the city and working with our local partners, Sunderland City Council, the Primary Care Trust and the private sector we will continue to deliver out high quality sustainable environmental and business projects."
Sunderland Partnership chairman Canon Stephen Taylor performed the opening ceremony.