Consultation launched as University of Sunderland embarks on visionary long-term strategy 

Published on 6, October, 2025

The University of Sunderland will be consulting with its staff and students as it embarks on a visionary long-term strategy, aiming to transform its campus buildings and facilities, and further strengthen its role in the city's regeneration. 

The consultation coincides with the University’s continuing upward trajectory, recognised most recently by its first Top 30 appearance in The Guardian University Guide 2026. 

Building on this momentum, the University is now embarking on the creation of a University City Masterplan (UCM), designed to ensure its Sunderland estate is fit for the decades ahead. 

The plan will seek views on how the University could reimagine its buildings and facilities to deliver world-class education, foster innovation, and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the city. 

From now until late November, staff and students will be invited to share their views before the University’s Board of Governors considers options for more detailed feasibility work in early 2026. Further internal and external consultation will follow, with final recommendations likely to be presented to the University's Board of Governors in early 2027.  

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sir David Bell, said: "The University’s 2025–2030 strategy, which was approved this year by our governors, reaffirms our life-changing purpose, underpinned by a commitment to remain student-focused, professions-facing, and society-shaping. 

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"This newly announced consultation exercise represents the next exciting chapter in Sunderland’s story – one of growth, transformation, and shared success. And, as such, the views of the University community will be vital in any future decision making which is why we have embarked on this consultation”. 

Central to the plan is a focus on creating inspiring, modern, and flexible environments for study and work where students and staff can thrive. Future facilities will need to include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, studios, and digitally connected spaces, as well as vibrant social and study hubs. The consultation also commits to creating a university estate which is designed in partnership with employers, replicating real-world working environments to help students to graduate successfully into the world of work.  

Although driven fundamentally by the University’s educational priorities, the consultation will also seek views on how best to achieve a sustainable estate and secure value for money. 

Sir David added: "The University has long played a central role as one of Sunderland’s anchor institutions. As part of our civic responsibility to the city, we want our future estate to be aligned with the city’s regeneration, by opening our doors even more fully to local people, businesses, and cultural organisations.  

“By intentionally blurring the boundaries between campus and city, the University aims to create spaces that benefit not just students and staff, but the wider community."