Decision day set for plans to turn Elephant Tea Rooms into local studies library

Earlier this year, council bosses revealed proposals for the Elephant Tea Rooms on the corner of Fawcett Street and High Street West.

Known for its eye-catching facade featuring ornamental elephants, the building was constructed in the late 19th Century and is currently Grade II listed.

The site was most recently used by the Royal Bank of Scotland before the branch closed in 2018.

After standing empty for more than a year, Sunderland City Council bought the site and is pressing ahead with plans to revamp the space.

This includes urgent repairs to the roof and interiors as part of wider plans under the city’s Heritage Action Zone.

Next week, councillors will be asked to approve a bid to officially repurpose the building as a local library hub and events space.

Under the proposals, the ‘local studies library’ is set to relocate from the Fawcett Street Service Centre and Library and is tipped to reopen at the end of January 2020.

It will hold the largest collection of records and information in Sunderland with photographs, maps, film, trade directories, parish registers and newspapers.

A report prepared for councillors also reveals the centre will open to the public six days a week.

Proposed times include 9am-5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am-7pm on Wednesday and 10am-4pm on Saturday.

Council planners, recommending the application for approval, have also said planned repair works will help safeguard the future of the building.

The report adds: “Whilst the building appears to be in reasonable condition there are some issues with the roof and external masonry.

“Whilst not serious, if left unchecked the condition will worsen, and a greater level of intervention will be needed.

“Consequently, it is considered that the proposed works will help consolidate the condition of the building, utilising best practice conservation methods to restore [and] enhance the quality of its architectural detailing.

“The proposed internal alterations will be minimal and fully reversible, without any adverse impact on the significance of the building and all externals will be like-for-like replacements if items are beyond reuse and repair.”

If plans are approved, the building is set to be named Sunderland’s Local History Library @ETR.

It is hoped that the building’s ground floor will also offer better access for customers, alongside space for hosting events and activities.

The application will be discussed by the council’s area development control sub-committee on Monday, December 16.

The meeting starts at 5.15pm at Sunderland Civic Centre and is open to the public.