Sunderland is set to become a hub for esports, with the development of the National Esports Performance Centre (NEPC) near the Stadium of Light. The centre is being developed by British Esports, and will include facilities for training, competition, and education. In addition, British Esports has received approval to convert three Grade-II listed buildings in West Sunniside, Sunderland into accommodation for esports teams.
Each property will provide housing for 25 people, as well as gaming rooms. The aim is to create a thriving esports community in Sunderland, which can compete at the highest level and attract new talent.
The proposal to transform three Grade-II listed buildings in West Sunniside, Sunderland into separate residences for elite esports teams has been granted approval. The initiative is being spearheaded by British Esports.
The project to convert three listed buildings in West Sunniside, Sunderland into accommodation for elite esports teams has been given the green light. Each building will serve as a residence for up to 25 individuals and include gaming rooms. The British Esports organization is also developing the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC) near the Stadium of Light, which was formerly a car showroom.
Competitive online gaming, which involves teams competing against each other for prizes that can reach millions of pounds, has a massive global following.
Apart from hosting competitions, the NEPC center in Sunderland is designed to attract and foster new talent. The facility includes classrooms where students can pursue a BTEC in esports.
The plan is to convert the listed buildings in West Sunniside into accommodation for esports teams, including national teams, while they undergo performance training at the NEPC.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Partnership, the developers of the project believe that having both the NEPC campus and accommodation in the same city will contribute to the success of the Global Esports Games and upcoming international tournaments.
The plans involve repurposing existing rooms in the listed buildings into lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, and gaming rooms while utilizing the historic layout of the buildings.
Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, has previously expressed support for esports initiatives in the area.
Councillor Graeme Miller of Sunderland City Council has expressed his support for British Esports’ investment in the regeneration programme in Riverside Sunderland and Sunniside.
British Esports plans to convert three Grade-II listed properties in West Sunniside, Sunderland into accommodation for esports teams, including home national teams, during their performance training at the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC). The repurposed rooms will include lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, and games rooms, utilising the existing historic layout of the buildings. Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Graeme Miller has welcomed the esports developments and said they fit perfectly with the city’s regeneration programme.
Source : bbc.com