Plans for a new bingo venue in Sunderland city centre which could create dozens of new jobs have taken a major step forward.

A planning application has been submitted to convert the former TK Maxx unit at The Bridges Shopping Centre into a new Club 3000 venue.

The development would bring fresh life to one of the centre’s biggest vacant units and follows separate proposals to turn the neighbouring former Debenhams store into an indoor go-karting attraction.

The unit off Crowtree Road has been vacant since TK Maxx moved to a new space inside the shopping centre in February.

The bar area of the Leeds Bingo 3000 complex.

placeholder image — The bar area of the Leeds Bingo 3000 complex.

If planning permission is approved, and the necessary licences are secured, it will be Club 3000’s 25th premises in the UK and its second in the North East, alongside its existing Peterlee venue.

Club 3000 announced the £5million project earlier this year, describing it as part of wider plans to “invest in high-quality venues and expand access to modern bingo entertainment across key regional locations”.

Speaking at the time, Brian Fraser, founder of Club 3000 Bingo, said: “Sunderland is a brilliant city and we’re excited to be bringing this major new venue to the heart of it.

“This will be much more than a bingo club – we want it to become a real entertainment destination for the local community.

The inside of a recently opened Club 3000 bingo complex in Leeds. Sunderland's will look very similar.

“There’s huge affection for bingo across the North East and we believe this venue will be something special.”

The planning application is a key step in efforts to make the development a reality, and follows a recent planning application to convert the adjacent former Debenhams store into an indoor go karting centre.

A supporting letter submitted to the council said the bingo venue would “deliver substantial economic benefits, including significant private investment and the creation of job opportunities”.

This includes the bingo operator employing around 40 full time equivalent staff.

The Former TK Maxx unit off Crowtree Road.

It was noted that the proposals would “secure the beneficial use of a prominent unit, support the diversification of Sunderland city centre, and contribute positively to its vitality, viability and long-term resilience”.

Applicants said introducing an “established national operator” would “create a strong destination use, increasing visitor dwell time and contributing positively to footfall within the shopping centre and wider city centre, particularly during the evening period”.

The letter adds: “The benefits of the proposal are that it will provide a high quality commercial development in a sustainable location that is accessible by a wide range of transport modes.

“It will have a positive impact upon the vitality and viability of the shopping centre.

The exterior of a recently opened Bingo 3000 complex in Leeds.

“It will have a series of positive economic effects; the proposal will facilitate private sector investment within the area.”

In addition, no changes are proposed to the existing access, servicing or parking arrangements and applicants said the site was “well placed to encourage trips by walking, cycling and public transport.”

A decision on the bingo club plan is expected following a council consultation.

Club 3000 hope to have the premises up and running by early next year.