New future stretches out for old police station site

Proposals have been submitted to transform the old Farringdon police station in Primate Road, Sunderland, into a fitness studio, along with shops and offices.

The station was closed under cost saving plans by Northumbria Police, with officers now based in the neighbouring fire station off North Moor Lane.

A planning application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council by 2 Sixty Property Developments as it looks for permission to demolish the building and build a gym and retail complex in its place.

The designs, drafted up by Mario Minchella Architects, which have used the slope of the land to set out shop units on the lower floor, with the entire ground floor taken up the gym.

It states: “The site currently holds a four-storey police station as well as ample parking and landscaping.

“The building is obsolete for its former use and the type of construction, age and current condition render it unsuitable for conversion.

“As such, an opportunity for a new development on a prominent site has become available.
“The aim is to provide high quality development that will have benefits to the local area, as well as the building owner and future tenants.”

It says its location, just off the A690 Durham Road, well served bus stops, and nearby A19 means it is accessible to visitors.

In a planning and sustainability statement, planning firm MD2 says there could be 115 parking spaces, with five of those disabled, and with a stand which can take up to 20 bikes.

It adds that the proposals satisfy with aim to build a “strong, competitive economy and promote healthy communities.”

“We consider that the design will provide a strong alternative to the existing building and that the sustainable design and construction measure proposed ill contribute towards climate change objectives.”