Sunderland STACK set to create 100 new jobs as Seaburn shipping container development plans set for approval

Developers behind Newcastle’s STACK leisure complex revealed plans to open a similar facility in Seaburn in May.

The two-storey development would see shipping containers transformed into a village of food vendors and bars.

It would also feature family entertainment – including crazy golf, pool, darts and table tennis – and a function room with a particular focus towards the alternative wedding market.

Leisure firm, Danieli Holdings, has been working with Sunderland City Council to advance plans for the site.

Now, a meeting date has been set to decide the application, with more details revealed about the proposals.

According to a report prepared for the council’s area Development Control Sub-committee, the STACK is also set to create up to 100 jobs.

If approved, the complex would have permission to open for up to eight years and could hold a maximum of 2,000 people.

And proposed opening hours include 7am-1am, seven days a week.

Concerns from neighbouring business

Although planning officers have recommended the plans for approval, a letter was lodged from neighbouring business Seldons Leisureworld raising several concerns.

This included questions about disturbance and nuisance and how it would be managed and car parking/access to the site.

Other concerns included the STACK “obscuring the visibility of Seldons” and potential disruption during construction.

According to the planning report, Seldons “supported the principle of regenerating the site.”

At the time of the report being published, planning officers confirmed a meeting was being arranged between Seldons representatives, the applicant and the council.

Wider plans for the seafront

The STACK development falls against wider plans to regenerate underused and historic buildings in Seaburn and Roker.

This includes converting the former Roker toilet block, along with the former Bay Shelter and the old tram shelter at Seaburn, into cafés and restaurants and 12 beach huts north of Fat Buddha.

Terms have also been agreed with a separate developer to bring forward a 40-bed inn in Seaburn near the planned STACK site – subject to planning permission.

The applicant for the STACK is listed as council-owned development company Siglion.

According to planning officers, the STACK will “assist in achieving regeneration within Seaburn.”

The committee reports reads: “Since the clearance of the former Pullman Lodge building and the Seaburn Centre, the site provides an opportunity for the provision of public use until the fully developed proposals for Seaburn are built out.

“The creation of retail, food and drink uses will encourage a variety of people to visit the proposed development.

“The proposed uses are suitable for families and those visiting Seaburn for other purposes as well as contributing to the evening economy.

“It is proposed that 75 full-time and 25 part-time jobs will be generated by the proposed development, assisting in the creation of new employment opportunities in the local area.

“The addition of new employment opportunities will contribute to the local economy and provide leisure and tourism uses in the local area which will temporarily substitute those recently lost.

“The success of STACK within Newcastle City Centre and the location of a new STACK on the Seaburn site will attract more visitors to Sunderland’s sea front and will provide a new offer for entertainment in Seaburn.”

The application will be discussed at Sunderland Civic Centre on Tuesday, August 6.

If approved by councillors, the plans will be referred to the secretary of state for final decision.

The meeting starts at 3.45pm and for more information, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk