Plans for Sunderland’s old JJB Sports store are moving forward after developers lodged new proposals to convert parts of the building into nightclub spaces.
In 2018, developers won permission to transform the city centre site into a pub and to give the building a major facelift.
This included removing ‘eyesore’ metal screen cladding, improvements to windows and brickwork and a new shopfront.
A historic ornate pubfront at the side of the building, in Pann Lane, is also set to be restored with new glass installed to windows.
Last week, Sunderland City Council ’s planning department validated fresh proposals to change the internal layout of the approved pub.
Floor plans from 2018 included a bar and customer seating area on the ground floor, two function rooms on the first floor and offices and staff changing areas on the second floor.
Applicant Roxborough Plant and Construction Ltd now want to introduce ‘nightclub’ elements across the upper floors and toilets on a basement floor.
The original application required a noise assessment which was signed off based on the floor plans, layout of the building and ‘mitigation measures’ agreed at the time.
Due to the changes, the council’s Environmental Health team have requested more information from the applicant.
External works to improve the appearance of the former sports store at 92 High Street West are expected to continue as normal.
A heritage statement submitted with the plans adds: “The overall aim here is the enhancement and improvement of the current physical characteristics of the building to realign with surrounding historical artefacts and enhance this area of High Street West.”
Sunderland City Council planners are expected to rule on the application by the end of October.
For more information, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference 20/01004/FUL
