Independent (MVT)
About the project
What does this community space/venue do?
It’s been 20 years and counting since we opened our first set of doors for the first time and in that time we’ve seen countless bands and DJs grace our stages. We’ve been Sunderland’s only constant in youth culture through the last very rocky (nearly) two decades. Independent is the home of music in Sunderland, nurturing young talent, supporting bands and often giving people a stage to play their first ever show. We’re a Venue, a Disco and a Drinking Den, and the home of the Blue Pint.
Alongside hosting regular live shows from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists and local North East talents, Independent is also the biggest and longest running nightclub on Wearside. Having been the place to party for young people for so long our brick walls (and sticky floors) have seen so many big nights and bad dancing. In 2024, Independent hosts two weekly club nights (see below) alongside a bunch of extra one-offs and extras including our daytime clubbing and themed parties.
Alongside hosting regular live shows from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists and local North East talents, Independent is also the biggest and longest running nightclub on Wearside. Having been the place to party for young people for so long our brick walls (and sticky floors) have seen so many big nights and bad dancing. In 2024, Independent hosts two weekly club nights (see below) alongside a bunch of extra one-offs and extras including our daytime clubbing and themed parties.
What is VIY doing?
VIY will deliver a multi-phase refurbishment project at Independent in Sunderland, focused on improving both the green room and adjacent staff areas.
In the existing green space, VIY will support the removal of a current stud wall to increase the overall size and usability of the room. The space will then be redecorated and upgraded with new seating, a central table with integrated power points, and improved flooring to create a more durable and comfortable environment.
Alongside this, a new stud wall will be constructed to reconfigure and expand the office space, creating a clearer separation between the green room and office.
In a neighbouring room, VIY will develop a dedicated kitchen and seating area for staff and artists, enhancing welfare facilities across the venue.
Young people will be involved throughout the project, working alongside professional tradespeople to gain hands-on experience in demolition, carpentry, partitioning, flooring and painting & decorating, while working towards accredited qualifications and building key employability skills.
In the existing green space, VIY will support the removal of a current stud wall to increase the overall size and usability of the room. The space will then be redecorated and upgraded with new seating, a central table with integrated power points, and improved flooring to create a more durable and comfortable environment.
Alongside this, a new stud wall will be constructed to reconfigure and expand the office space, creating a clearer separation between the green room and office.
In a neighbouring room, VIY will develop a dedicated kitchen and seating area for staff and artists, enhancing welfare facilities across the venue.
Young people will be involved throughout the project, working alongside professional tradespeople to gain hands-on experience in demolition, carpentry, partitioning, flooring and painting & decorating, while working towards accredited qualifications and building key employability skills.
What will be the impact of our project?
The project will significantly improve the layout, functionality and overall quality of the facilities at Independent. Expanding the green room and upgrading its features will create a more practical and comfortable space for artists, while the reconfigured office will provide a more effective working environment for staff.
The addition of a dedicated kitchen and seating area will enhance day-to-day welfare provision, making the venue better equipped to support both staff and performers.
For the young people involved, the impact will be substantial. They will gain real-world construction experience across a range of trades, achieve recognised qualifications, and develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. This supports their progression into further training, education or employment.
More broadly, the project demonstrates how community-focused construction projects can deliver lasting social value, strengthening connections between local young people and creative venues while leaving a tangible legacy within the space.
The addition of a dedicated kitchen and seating area will enhance day-to-day welfare provision, making the venue better equipped to support both staff and performers.
For the young people involved, the impact will be substantial. They will gain real-world construction experience across a range of trades, achieve recognised qualifications, and develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. This supports their progression into further training, education or employment.
More broadly, the project demonstrates how community-focused construction projects can deliver lasting social value, strengthening connections between local young people and creative venues while leaving a tangible legacy within the space.
Project contact: shaid@teamviy.com
