Plans submitted to turn vacant shops in Sunderland city centre into cafe

This week, a change of use bid was lodged with Sunderland City Council for part of the Tavistock Buildings, off Borough Road, in the Hendon ward.

Under new plans from applicant Reece Roath, units 4-6 could be transformed into a cafe providing pre-prepared snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Proposed opening hours include 8am-8pm with a decision expected by the council’s planning authority later this year.

An application form reads: “The site is located within the city centre and there is no need for on-site car parking.

“Deliveries and servicing will be via the existing arrangements from the rear yard accessed from Back Tatham Street.”