Help shape Washington's future

The views of residents will help make sure the investment has the best and biggest possible impact.

There is £20m of Government funding for the Washington Plan for Neighbourhoods. The funding is earmarked for where there is the greatest need and is focused on three priorities:

• Building thriving places 
• Strengthening communities 
• Putting residents' views are at the heart of decision-making.

A questionnaire is now online at: www.washington.commonplace.is 

More engagement activities are being rolled out over the summer and autumn with the target of reaching as many Washington residents as possible. Plus, there will be ongoing engagement over the next ten years of delivery.

Insight from residents is crucial to inform how the £20m investment can be used to help bring physical and environmental improvements. Funding could also be available to improve access to community services.

Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East, which includes Sunderland College, has been appointed chair of the new Washington Neighbourhoods Board that is now gathering views from residents.

She said: "We want residents to tell us what they'd like their future Washington to be like, what's important to them in life, what ideas they have for improving Washington, and for creating new opportunities for them and their family. This engagement is for residents to help make sure this funding makes a real difference."

Face-to-face engagement with children and young people across Washington's schools and academies will begin after the holidays. This is alongside engagement with students and apprentices who are residents and training in Washington.

Following the summer and autumn engagement, a plan will be submitted to the Government over the winter so that funding for projects can be released from spring 2026 onwards.

Ellen added: "We have an opportunity to invest £20m, and like any investment, the board wants to make a wise decision and see it deliver real growth. That's why it's so important residents share their views. The insight we gather, alongside existing data about Washington, will help the board identify priority actions and areas for investment in the years ahead."

Washington is one of 75 communities in this £1.5bn national scheme and regionally. Similar neighbourhood plans are forming in Blyth, Darlington, Eston in Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Jarrow and Spennymoor.

Last year Washington celebrated 60 years since it was designated a new town and it has now been confirmed that it will be at the centre of the next extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro system. Alongside new investments and job opportunities from businesses, regeneration of the F-Pit Museum and Albany Park is being lined-up for 2026.