What our seafront could look like
PLAN HINGES ON BID TO COASTAL COMMUNITIES FUND
New cafes and restaurants could be created on Sunderland seafront as part of plans outlined by civic chiefs.
The proposals are included as part of a bid to the Coastal Communities Fund and are dependent on this being successful.
Bosses at Sunderland City Council say if the organisation manages to secure the cash, it hopes to use it to:
Convert a former toilet block at Roker along with the former Bay Shelter and the old Tram Shelter at Seaburn into cafés/restaurants
Build 12 beach huts on the promenade north of the Fat Buddha at Seaburn
Upgrade the infrastructure at Seaburn Camp for touring caravans.
The authority heard earlier this month that it had been invited to submit a stage two bid for Coastal Communities Funding in January.
Councillor Stuart Porthouse, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to have been successful in getting through to the next stage of the Coastal Communities Fund Round 5.
“All of these plans are dependent on us being successful in our bid to the Coastal Communities Fund.
“But we have already seen the former Seaburn Shelter transformed into the popular Fat Buddha restaurant and I think there’s great potential for other little used or redundant seafront buildings to be given a new lease of life as cafes or restaurants.
“We also know that the introduction of beach huts has proved very popular in other areas and if we can secure the funding for these, I think they would be a very welcome addition to our seafront. It’s all part of our ongoing efforts to make the most of our beautiful beaches and seafront, which have seen £10million invested in the regeneration of the seafront since 2010.”
The council says it is also looking at the possibility of expanding the role of the Sunderland Seafront Trust, which is currently the governing body for the Roker Heritage Group – whose volunteers run the pier and lighthouse tours.
In the medium to longterm this could seek charitable status and be given a wider role working with businesses and other partners to take forward the future development of the seafront.
The plans for the seafront are part of larger bid to the Coastal Communities Fund with Sunderland Culture. The council and Sunderland Culture are due to submit their bid for stage two funding to the Coastal Communities Fund in January
“It’s all part of our ongoing efforts” COUN PORTHOUSE