Sunderland has been voted 27th on the worst places to live in the UK list, but some people don't agree with this controversial view of the city.
As someone from the North East myself, its clear to see that Sunderland has so much to offer as a place and this kind of negative publicity does nothing for its reputation.
After coming 36th on last year's list, voters clearly think that there has been little improvement over the last 12 months. This notion has been rebuked by businesses and developers in the city, who have been very positive about Sunderland and the current situation.
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Below are a few reasons why Sunderland is an underrated and misjudged place to live, from its history to the famous football club. If more of these things were considered, it would help give the Sunderland the positive reputation it deserves, and hopefully it won't be on this list next year.
History
Sunderland has a rich history as a port city that is clear to see, and the development of the port birthed one of the great rivalries with another neighbouring city.
Sunderland was historically part of County Durham and was ruled by the Prince Bishops in medieval times. It was Prince Bishop Hugh Pudsey who started to develop it into a port.
In the late 12th century he issued a charter creating Wearmouth Borough, based on the one that had previously been made in Newcastle, with the intention of creating a thriving town and trading port.
The already established Newcastle was a big problem here, as a levy had to be paid which stifled the potential for trade. This shows the beginnings of one of the great footballing rivalries.
Many examples of Sunderland's history can still be seen in places such as the Holy Trinity Church in Old Sunderland, Penshaw Monument and the Gray Memorial garden. Sunderland is a place where people interested in history will not be disappointed.
Football
The beautiful game is a massive part of Sunderland's identity, and you don't have to travel far in the city before you see a fan emblazoned in a red and white shirt.
The Stadium of Light itself is a remarkable footballing arena, and is well worth a visit for its own cultural and sporting significance. The club itself is woven into the DNA of the city, and is now on an upwards trajectory of its own, in the hunt for the playoffs in the Championship.
Two consecutive relegations in 2017 and 2018 left Sunderland floundering in League One for a couple of years, but a return to the second division and a positive season so far has fans optimistic for their future with manager Tony Mowbray.
As is the case with many areas, when the football club are doing well, the city itself tends to follow suit. Sunderland AFC are such an integral part of the place and the passion of their fanbase shows the great people in the city too.
Local business and events
Sunderland has an independent business scene that is full of amazing shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that are all greatly supported and highlighted by the Sunderland Business Improvement District.
The BID are a business led partnership that aim to create a vibrant city centre as well as new job opportunities for residents. They have already invested over £3 million into the city centre and are continuing to promote the city and give its residents a voice.
Chief Executive at Sunderland BID, Sharon Appleby has shared her thoughts on Sunderland being included in the list and why people should be positive about the city's future.
“It’s very disappointing to see Sunderland on the list particularly as it’s a city which is experiencing such massive investment and has such a positive outlook.
“We’ve seen a whole host of new restaurants opening, an international hotel brand come to the city and major schemes like the Riverside, City Hall, Culture House and the new Eye Hospital, as well as the new station which will provide a fantastic welcome experience.
“There are 10,000 new jobs being created plus 1000 new homes being planned, we’re close to an amazing coastline and fantastic countryside, great transport links and friendly people with a real sense of community. That all adds up to a very exciting future for Sunderland.”
In terms of events other than football, The Sunderland Empire is a fantastic venue that stages a whole range of plays, musicals and comedy acts. There's something for everyone that can be enjoyed at the over 100 year old concert hall.
The beautiful Roker and Seaburn beaches are also great places for families to visit, both to soak up the sun and to walk dogs in the winter time.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: "I can only assume that those who voted in this survey must have missed some of the exciting developments and ambitious plans that are currently underway in Sunderland, with hundreds of millions of pounds in investment pouring into key development across the city, some fantastic local and independent businesses opening up in the city centre, and award-winning beaches at our coast.
"There is so much happening at the moment, and a lot to look forward to with developments at Riverside Sunderland gathering pace creating thousands of jobs and 1,000 new homes, a new £26m train station in the works, a new footbridge across the Wear and the new Culture House scheduled to be complete on Keel Square next year. The planned historic Stables leisure development in Sheepfolds has already attracted interest from the likes of Hairy Biker Si King, while new music venue The Fire Station is attracting top-quality musicians and we have global pop stars Pink and Beyoncé visiting the Stadium of Light this year."
Overall, Sunderland is a city with a lot more to offer than people realise. It is still a work in progress as every place is, but organisations are working very hard to improve the area further.
The aim of this was to highlight some of the best things about Sunderland to show that these types of lists don't give a good picture of what an area is like. Hopefully after this, Sunderland won't be placed on it at all come next year.
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