TV architect to bring building charity back home

George Clarke is moving his Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education charity to Sunderland's Sheepfolds

TV architect George Clarke is moving his property design charity to his home town.

The Sunderland-born presenter founded the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education (Mobie) to inspire young people to build better homes.

The organisation is moving to the city's multimillion-pound Sheepfolds development along with a new restaurant by Hairy Biker Si King.

"I am so excited by the physical transformation I am seeing in Sunderland and across the North East," Clarke said.

Mobie is set to move to the Sheepfolds in 2025.

It will open inside the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) facility on Hay Street which is being run by Sunderland College.

Clarke said: "The North East is a place I am incredibly proud to come from and I want to bring the work of Mobie home."

Si King's restaurant, Propa, will also be opening in the new Sunderland development

County Durham-born Si King, known for being one half of the Hairy Bikers, has confirmed plans to open a new eatery in the development.

King said his new restaurant, Propa, would serve up traditional foods from the region such as stottie cakes, mince and tatties, and ham and pease pudding.

"It’s the things your granny would make or your mam would make," he said.

"It’s all of those wonderful dishes that are filled with nostalgia."

King also said the restaurant would be offering one meal made in memory of his friend Dave Myers, who died earlier this year.

"We are going to put a dish, really quietly, that every time it goes out of the door it’s Dave Myers all over it.

"There is a dedication to him but we’re not highlighting it. You will just know when you eat it."

This week the government said a further £30m in funding had been given to the city to help progress the redevelopment of Riverside Sunderland, which includes the Vaux and Sheepfolds site.