Joplings hotel plan '˜exactly what Sunderland needs,' says business improvement boss

Ken Dunbar, chief executive of Sunderland Business Improvement District, has welcomed the Joplings proposal, saying visitors to events such as the Tall Ships Race in 2018, Stadium of Light gigs and Sunderland matches will be among those to benefit.

He added: “It’s exactly what we need for the city, more bed space and accommodation, especially as we have big events coming up.

“This is tremendous news. It’s also great news for the restaurants and shops in the area.

“We’ve got an opportunity to develop and grow that area and it is just around the corner from Sunniside.

“I had a big smile on my face when I heard about this.”

Sanguine has said it is open to ideas about what could be done with the building’s basement.