joemcdokes
Striker
Possible correlation between loss of jobs in the city centre and the decline of it? Mmm? The problem with an economy solely based on retail is you're exposed to external factors such as inflation and interest rate rises. Increases to which sees less people sending money. Retail is often the first thing to suffer and coupled to a rise in online sales makes it sensitive to fiscal changes.
So the city centre needs to diversify its economy from just retail. The vaux site will help that, the new arts and leisure venues will be beneficial too. I drive past the software centre each morning and see office workers coming in and out the building that are using the city centre amenities. A great example of a central business hub that's diversified the jobs (in the city centre).
The road infrastructure is improving with the SSTC. Hopefully the potential of the A1018 can be realised. Here we have a direct road linking the city centre with the A19. Great for business accessibility, this has potential to boost business from the south.
I love your optimism but there needs to be incentives and massive ones for business to invest in Sunderland’s city centre.