Sunderland’s Winter Gardens to undergo vital repairs
Written by Katie Davison on 6th March 2025
Sunderland City Council plans vital repairs to the Winter Gardens after the government announced a new funding package worth nearly half a million pounds.
Photo Credit: hazelsilv on instagram
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy promised the money for arts and culture venues across the UK, with Sunderland set to benefit to the tune of £488,000.
Welcoming the funding, Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted to have secured £488,000 funding from the Arts Council England to carry out repairs to this very special part of our much-loved museum.
“The funding will help safeguard the future of this immensely popular green/tropical oasis in the heart of our city centre, which plays a major role in helping make Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North East.
“It’s all about ensuring the vitality of one of our most loved venues for future generations to enjoy at the same time as retaining and enhancing its significance as a landmark building within the city. So it’s brilliant to see it supported using funding by Arts Council England.”
Sunderland City Council have secured a grant of £488,000, that will be put towards vital repairs to its iconic Winter Gardens. The council also plans to add £171,000 of its own funds, making the total package worth £660,000.
The Gardens houses more than 2,000 species of plant below its glazed dome, with a curving staircase leading up to its treetop walkway. It also features a pond with Koi Carp and an impressive water sculpture.
The funds will be used to repair the issues with corrosion, glazing failure and mechanical issues – all of which will help protect the tropical plants.
The money is part of a new £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, which will help support organisations in urgent need of financial support, and is designed to help arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across the country.
Councils across the North East are set to benefit.
Councillor Judith Taylor, Member for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy at South Tyneside Council said: “This funding is welcome news for the cultural sector and recognises the important role arts organisations play in their local communities in supporting the local economy, jobs and tourism as well as in enhancing and enriching people’s lives and boosting health and wellbeing.”
