Legal office in historic Sunderland building to become student accommodation
and live on Freeview channel 276
Proposals were submitted to Sunderland City Council for 25 John Street in 2020.
The Grade II-Listed building was formerly used by Treanors Solicitors Ltd but has been vacant for several months.
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Hide AdApplicants plan to transform the office building into flats aimed at the student market.
On April 9, city planners approved a bid for 10 apartments and internal changes to the building.
These ranged from new plumbing, kitchens and en-suite bathrooms to revamped flooring and ventilation.
All bedrooms are expected to offer high-speed internet connections, a double bed and a TV.
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Hide AdAccording to planning statements, prepared by Fitz Architects, the plans will help safeguard the future of the building.
A report reads: “The current building is in need of repair and upgrading and the proposals provide a high quality refurbishment that will hopefully be a catalyst for other similar buildings on the street.”
Representations from the council’s conservation team were also supportive of “finding an alternative use for the building.”
A council statement adds: “John Street has a low occupancy rate for commercial premises with only a couple of units currently in use within the street.
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Hide Ad“The council itself has recently converted commercial premises into residential due to the lack of uptake from the commercial sector.
“In light of this it is important to consider the potential risk to the building should it become vacant for a long period of time against the policies within the Sunniside Planning and Design Framework.”