Flats plan for former bank
A historic former bank building which has stood empty for almost a decade could be given a new lease of life as apartments.
The Grade II-listed treasure was originally built in 1902 and was previously the Fawcett Street branch of HSBC.
The 15,210 square foot building sits at number 14 on the corner with St Thomas Street, opposite other banks which are also listed buildings.
Last month, it was revealed the site had been sold subject to contracts being signed.
Now a planning application has been lodged with Sunderland City Council to bring the building back into use.
If approved, the upper floors would be converted into 15 apartments alongside works to create a new commercial unit on the ground floor.
The applicant is listed in planning documents as X8 Properties Ltd.
A Design, Access and Heritage statement prepared for the applicant outlines works to safeguard the building for the future.
This includes stripping out modern partitioning and dry lining to expose the original walls and ceiling.
The document reads: “The current building has been vacant for a number of years and is showing signs of falling into disrepair.
“Internally there are signs of damp and water ingress to upper floors.”
Itadds: “We would also look to take this opportunity to carry out external repairs such as recommended by the stonemasons report.”
It goes on to say: “The proposed conversion and alteration will introduce quality accommodation and a new retail unit helping to rejuvenate the city centre and safeguard the building’s future.”
In 2011, HSBC moved its remaining Fawcett Street operations to its Market Square site in Sunderland city centre.
Since this date, the old HSBC branch building has been unused and protected by decorative netting.
It is one of several Grade II-listed buildings on Fawcett Street, the others are the branches of Natwest, Barclays and Lloyds banks, the Vestry Building sat numbers 21 and 22 and the Elephant Tea Rooms.
Changes to the former H SB Care also subject to a separate listed building application.
Council planning bosses are expected to rule on the applications later this year.
For more information, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning ref: 20/00535/FUL()