World War II-themed micro bar set to open in Sunderland city centre

Sunderland City Council’s planning department has approved an application for 12 Mary Street, which sits between venues Roma and The Gunners in the St Michael’s ward.

The ground floor space was last used by hairdressers ‘Fagans’ with another business above, and new plans aim to revamp the building to make way for a ground floor business and first floor accommodation.

The plans, submitted earlier this year, proposed the change of use of the ground floor to a ‘craft micro bar’ and the first floor to a flat.

As part of the proposed conversion, external refurbishment works were proposed including the replacement of windows.

Supporting documents submitted to council officials described the development as a “military-style real ale micro bar” with a “nod to a military-style WWII bunker”.

During the planning application process, plans were amended following comments and recommendations from council conservation officers.

Amended plans included “timber double glazed sliding sash windows to the front elevation” to offer a “more sensitive approach” to the area and to meet local conservation guidance.

After considering the planning application and assessing it against planning policies, Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved it on December 6, 2023.

Council planners, in a decision report, said the development would ensure the future occupancy of the building while also benefiting the city centre.

The council decision report adds: “In broad terms, utilising this space by creating a micro bar and first floor accommodation has more positive implications for the character of the conservation area and city centre as a whole.

“It displays a depth and variety that is key to maintaining a diverse culture within the city centre in these pressing economic times.

“Through continued occupancy, it ensures that the experience of being in the conservation area is enhanced and contributes to the vibrancy of the city centre.

“On balance of the above, it is considered that the change of use will not have a significant impact on the amenity enjoyed by surrounding properties and subject to conditions, aspects relating to its integration with the surrounding environment can be controlled.

“No objections have been received for the proposed development”.

Plans for the building’s ground floor, from applicant James Bonallie, include the refurbishment of existing rear toilet facilities and a new bar servery to the main front room area.

Elsewhere, the building’s first floor is proposed to be changed back into a flat benefiting from a private parking space in the rear yard.

Residential proposals include “additional acoustic treatment” to the party walls from the adjacent licensed premises, as well as the underside of the existing concrete floor receiving “acoustic treatment from the new bar below”.

Applicants added the development would make the building more energy efficient and replace single-glazed windows which are in a “poor state of repair”.

Signage for the proposed micro bar is expected to be submitted in a separate advertisement consent application, although it was noted that the sign’s colours and textures would “complement the stature of the existing building”.

For more information on the micro bar planning application, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 23/01562/FUL