Decision day for landmark building’s facelift scheme
Plans to revitalise Sunderland’s historic Elephant Tea Rooms are set to go before councillors for decision next week.
The Grade II-listed building has been earmarked for a major rev amp as part of regeneration works top reserve the city’s heritage.
Detailed proposals include external repairs and restoration works, including new shop fronts inspired by the building’s historic architecture.
The external works are being supported with funding from the city council, Historic England and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through the Future High Streets Fund and Heritage Action Zone projects.
On Wednesday, Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (East) Committee will discuss applications for the landmark listed building.
This includes removing the existing shop front and replacingit with new traditional timber and masonry shop fronts.
In addition, repair and conservation works are planned to the upper elevations, including masonry and window repairs and replacing three casement windows at first floor level with slidingsash windows.
Sunderland City Council planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.
A planning report prepared for councillors reads: “The proposed striking new shop fronts will significantly
enhance the architectural quality and towns cape value of the building, and wider character of the historic street scene and conservation area.
“The form, style and detailing of the shop front for the Elephant Tea Rooms takes inspiration from the historic terracotta frontage that was lost in the 20th century, using the scale, proportions, arched openings and decorative detailing in a more contemporary predominately brick construction due to budget and practical limitations but
incorporating attractive brick special and stone features.
“This approach has been agreed with Historic England and is considered a well-informed and high-quality solution that will revitalise the building and once again give the iconic Tea Rooms a street frontage and presence its architecture deserves.”
The planning report goes on to say: “The proposals will conserve and considerably enhance the character and significance of an iconic landmark listed building and this part of the Sunniside Conservation Area, whilst also helping to facilitate the long-term future re-use of the buildings .”
The Elephant Tea Rooms have been a part of Sunderland’s history since the 1870s, when they were built for tea merchant William Grim shaw and used as a grocer’ s shop and tea warehouse for Grimshaw & Son.
Designed by Sunderland architect Frank Caws, the upper floors of the Tea Rooms boast intricate terracotta and stone work features, including ornamental elephants, birds and gargoyles looking over the high street.
Matching shop fronts were later replaced in the 20th century when the building was converted into a bank.
The renovated Elephant Tea Rooms reopened in May 2021, housing the city’s Local History Library, and is also soon set to offer services for North East entrepreneurs with a new Business and IP Centre, one of six new outposts of the British Librarybacked scheme in the region.