George Clarke: Beacon will inspire

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke returned to Sunderland to attend a Foundation of Light charity dinner and to back the Beacon of Light appeal.

George is passionate about the way architecture can transform people’s everyday lives and has taken a personal interest in the Beacon because he believes buildings really can inspire people and make a difference.

Speaking about the Beacon of Light, the Sunderland-born architect and TV personality said: “Everyone deserves a chance to make the most of themselves and realise their true potential. The fantastic new Beacon of Light development will give people in the North East a chance to do just that, right here in the heart of a community in need.

The Beacon will be a welcoming and inclusive venue; a place to go where people will be able to learn and develop, whatever their ability or background, and leave inspired with new hopes and ambitions and a greater understanding of their true potential.

“Being from the North East I am keen to be involved in the regeneration of the region in any way I can. The Foundation is doing some fantastic work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham and it’s a real privilege to be involved.”

Chair of Trustees of the Foundation of Light, Sir Bob Murray CBE personally invited George to join the Board after Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE stepped down from the Foundation board earlier this year.

George Clarke was born and raised in Sunderland and from the age of 12 wanted to be an architect. After studying architecture at the University of Newcastle and University College London, he started his own practice in London.

He became the face of architecture with the launch of The Home Show in 2008 and Restoration Man in 2009 with his current series of Amazing Spaces currently being broadcast on Channel 4.