Final panel of the day and a close to events at City Hall #deliveringthefuturecity #exposunderland. Compelling discussions - mentoring, skills, funding needs, energy and technology, and what can be done to make a real positive difference. We have a story to tell; watch this space

Tania from @FaulknerBrowns also reiterated the need for greater transport, adding:. "Ideally, we need a TfL style transport system which overlays walking and cycling routes in the city to bring communities together. It is key to joining the dots.". #DeliveringTheFutureCity.

"Culture House is a great example of this. It’s really aligning the development with the community by hosting events and going out into communities to explain its benefits and bring them along on the journey.".

Neil Murphy in particular reserved special praise for Culture House, stating 🗣. "Soft landings for big regeneration projects are key to engaging communities when developing.

Some fascinating insights into how we can improve Activation, Community Building, Housing Delivery and Infrastructure and Planning through greater collaboration and more responsible development and placemaking initiatives.

A huge thank you to the panel leads who oversaw our first set of round table discussions. Tania Love - @FaulknerBrowns .Harvey Emms - @LichfieldsUK .Danielle Gillespie - @HomesEngland .Neil Murphy - @WeTweetTOWN

Day 2 of #exposunderland has got off to a great start with some very thought-provoking, challenging and ideas-driven discussions, and how we can create opportunities and growth for all. #sunderland #deliveringthefuturecity. Thanks to @BBCMarkEaston for hosting.

But how do we achieve that when #DeliveringTheFutureCity? . 1. We must not give reasons for people to self-deselect.2. We must proactively reach every part of the city, every individual and every business.3. We must be bold and open to innovation – we cannot be a follower city.

3. We have a thriving digital and tech sector underpinned by a strong supply of skilled people.4. Sunderland is synonymous with digital innovation and ambition.

David Dunn, Chief Executive of @SunSoftCity unveils the organisation's 2030 digital vision for Sunderland. 1. Every resident understands how digital can benefit them.2. Our businesses are among the world's most productive.

Business growth over the last 10yrs is higher in Sunderland than in the UK and NE region. The North East is a top performer for #inwardinvestment and creating new jobs - Sunderland is very very much part of that. @CBItweets Matt Bratton (Regional Director speaking - day 2

"It’s a turning point however that we now have a Government wanting to build new homes. We want to work with them. "We’ve been successful in delivering new homes in recent years, but we need more funding, We’re hoping this new Gov will provide that.". #DeliveringtheFutureCity.

"Every week, @SunderlandUK is spending huge amounts on temporary accommodation because we don’t have enough homes. "The country is building the least amount of social housing in years. We have thousands of children, not knowing where their home will be the next day.

"I've been in London the last few days and everyone is talking about the housing crisis. We have 30,000 people on our waiting list in Sunderland alone yet we only have 28,500 homes. Louise Bassett - @gentoogroup

Connectivity is important; using simple colour schemes, urban art, lighting and more, we can encourage people into areas and create sustainable places. When done properly it can really boost footfall and change the feeling that people have for an area @intoplaces #exposunderland

RT @EPNorthEast: For @ExpoSunderland, there will be focus on key challenges that have arisen, set in the context of a new Government policy….

"Just look at what this city will have in next few years, all within walking distance. "Culture House, Crown Works Studios, Eye Hospital, New Wear Footbridge, Sheepfolds, not many cities around the world have such developments ongoing and all within walking distance.".

"When you look around, there’s a lot more happening. It’s a city of opportunity. "You can feel, as a new person to the city, that there is a lot going on. I sometimes have to pinch myself to realise, is this really happening?.

"When I first came to #Sunderland, I was amazed by how beautiful it is but also the lack of people living in the city centre, and we’re playing a role in changing that as a University, along with the City Council and many of our partners here today.

Day 2 is underway here at @SunderlandUK City Hall!. Milan Radosavljevic from our headline sponsor, @sunderlanduni, opens up proceedings talking up his experience since arriving in the city. #DeliveringTheFutureCity