Many local residents have been asking when Elemore Café & Garden Centre will reopen, so we wanted to provide an update.

Following a lengthy tender process, Elemore Collective CIC was awarded the lease by Sunderland City Council and returned the legal documentation in May. We had been expecting to receive the keys and begin the exciting work of reopening the café and garden centre.

Unfortunately, we have now been informed that the lease process has been placed on hold while Sunderland City Council undertakes a wider review of the process surrounding community asset transfers and leases.

Naturally, we are disappointed by this delay. Every week that passes is another week that local residents are unable to enjoy this valued community facility, and another week that opportunities for volunteering, community activities and bringing people together are postponed.

Before providing this update, we contacted ward councillors and relevant members of Sunderland City Council to seek clarification and to ensure that any information we shared accurately reflected the Council's position. We are grateful to those councillors who have engaged with us so far, in particular to Cllr Alan Davies, who has agreed to meet with the CIC directors to discuss the project.

Our commitment to Elemore has not changed. We remain ready to reopen and revitalise the café and garden centre and we hope the Council's review can be concluded as soon as reasonably possible so that local residents can once again enjoy this much-loved community asset.

Thank you for your continued patience, encouragement and support. We will continue to keep you updated as soon as we have further information to share.