Long-awaited new Sunderland seafront development finally starts taking shape
The site has been years in the planning.
A long talked about Sunderland seafront development is finally starting to take shape.
The framework at the new addition replacing the old Roker Amusements is now clear to see after the old arcade was demolished last summer.
Planning permission has been in place for some time for the tired amusements site, which had been empty for years, with amendments made last year.
With building works now well underway, it will see the site in Marine Walk become home to a two-storey development offering both accommodation and family-friendly leisure facilities delivered by Seldons LeisureWorld, who already have a site in Seaburn.
The plans include a family entertainment centre and café at ground floor level, along with three apartments above and an area for four parking spaces at the southern end of the site.
Planning documents submitted on behalf of Seldons LeisureWorld said the building’s design would mirror the Pier Point development at Marine Walk.
Planning tweaks were approved last year, including changes to the elevational drawings to increase the height of the proposed building, as well as installing solar panels across the majority of the roof space and the addition of ‘heat pumps’ to the rear of the building.
During a council public consultation, there was one representation from a neighbour at Roker Terrace raising concerns about the proposed increase in the development’s height.
According to council planning documents, the neighbour sought assurances that the building would not be visible from their property and said the development would be “considerably higher than the Pier Point development and other properties within the vicinity.”
The agent for the applicant, in a statement referenced in a council decision report, noted the increase in height would amount to around half a metre and was “required to accommodate the plant to provide a more efficient building”.
It was also noted that the rear grassed embankment which rises towards the road level above would “provide substantial screening from the higher vantage point”.
After considering the planning application, Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved and concluded that the demolition of a ‘tired’ amusement block to make way for a ‘sensitively designed’ building, taking inspiration from timber structures that have historically lined the lower promenade, would enhance the area.
Other recent additions in Roker include Elephant Roker which has transformed the former shelter in Marine Walk into a beachfront bar and cafe and Slice Roker, which brought new life to the former Pier Fish and Chips at the start of the pier.