Project to build new retirement village on former Sunderland High School site pressing ahead
After remaining vacant for several years, plans emerged for land off Ryhope Road.
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Hide AdThis included a four-storey complex providing on-site support for older people while also promoting independence.
Despite concerns about the impact on the Ashbrooke Conservation Area, the major building plans were voted through by councillors in 2018.
Works are currently taking place on site with notice boards advertising the development.
This includes demolishing canteen and food technology blocks and constructing the new building.
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Hide AdIn recent weeks, applicant YourLife Management Services lodged a fresh bid with Sunderland City Council to make changes to the scheme.
This includes boosting the number of rooms at the complex to 58 and revising room types following a review of the scheme’s “viability.”
The council’s area Development Control Sub-Committee rubber-stamped the plans on August 5.
As part of the ongoing development, 19 trees will be removed alongside former school sports pitches being ripped up and replaced with a car park.
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Hide AdThe facility itself will provide around 5,500 sq metres of accommodation with 35 one-bed and 23 two-bed apartments.
Future residents will also have access to communal facilities such as a lounge, function room and guest suite.
Several iconic heritage buildings – including the grade-II listed Langham Tower, Tudor-styled villa Carlton House and St Cuthberts House – are not included in the application.
Sunderland High School, formerly Sunderland Church High School, closed in 2016 after serving the community since 1884.
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Hide AdParents, students and staff were left stunned at shock announcement the school was going to close after more than 130 years in the city.
A hardy group of volunteers united in a bid to take over the running of the school – but despite overwhelming support, they did not have time to secure its future.