New bar and bistro could be created at Sunderland Empire Theatre

Bosses have submitted an application to create a new bar and bistro at the High Street West site, with a decision set to be made by the city’s council in the coming months.

The current lower circle bar at the theatre dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The planning applications states that The Ambassadors Theatre Group (ATG), which operates the Empire, hopes to redevelop the area so that it can “maximise the live theatre experience for its customers”.

“The current lower circle bar area falls below ATG standards in both appearance, offer, service and branding,” the application statement reads.

“The proposals described in this statement seek to address this and thereby extend further the longevity of the bar and theatre in the long term.

“Consultation has been undertaken with customers of the theatre, who have expressed dissatisfaction at the extension bar which is remote from the main bar and feels separate.

“There has been some comment on the lack of/availability of pre-theatre snacks.”

A consultation over the plans, which can be seen on Sunderland City Council’s planning portal, ends on Wednesday.

A decision by councillors is expected to be made by the end of July.