Sunderland man's anger after bid to bring 'a bit of class and quality' to seafront is rejected

Retired Sunderland hospitality consultant Michael Wilson wanted to give the city “something it had never seen before” with his plans for Seaburn’s empty Bay Shelter.

He envisaged a family restaurant and cafe “as you get in Marbella and Cyprus” complete with added attractions of table service, sun loungers, motorised wheelchair hire at cost price and cycle maintenance services.

But his dream has been rejected by Sunderland City Council as part of an ongoing process to find a new leaseholder.

The council insists “interest has been very strong” in the Bay Shelter and two other seafront buildings, the Roker Shelter and former Roker toilet block, which are also up for tender.

Mr Wilson, 56, from Fulwell, has now said: “I am just worried that we are going to end up with just another coffee shop.

"What I wanted to do was to introduce a bit of quality and class to the seafront as you get in Marbella and Cyprus.

"I am talking about sun loungers, tables and chairs on the roof, ice creams and lollies for the kids for £1, cycling proficiency tests and maintenance courses to encourage people to cycle and stay fit.”

But Mr Wilson, who said “we had them queueing around the block” when he was manager of city centre bar and cafe Luma during his 17 years in the hospitality industry, fears a sticking point may have been his request for a potential break clause in the 15-year lease after two years.

He added: “I did not say I would leave after two years. But I wanted a clause in my contract which would only be activated if they had not kept their side of the deal in investing in the surrounding area.”

Marketed as a “unique rarely available seafront opportunity”, the successful applicant is likely to pay a £19,000 annual lease with the sum pumped back into the area’s regeneration.

The council’s cabinet member for Dynamic City, Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, said: “Interest has been very strong and the council has used regular and typical criteria that assesses the financial offer, the quality and suitability of the proposals, as well as the relevant experience of those proposing the new businesses.

“While no final decision has been taken on new tenants, Mr Wilson’s proposal was not successful in reaching the final assessment stage.”

She said Mr Wilson received further feedback from the council after he was informed about its decision, adding: “To respect commercial confidentiality and as the selection process continues, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the process.

“However, we are looking forward to confirming successful proposals in due course and welcoming them to our city’s seafront.”

The council added that more than £10m has been invested in recent years along the the seafront with the STACK development opening recently and a 40-bed inn and family restaurant to follow.

A statement continued: “These seafront works are very much part of the wider programme of cross-city investment that is helping create a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland.”

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