Decision due on apartments plan
Plans to turn a former bank in Sunderland city centre into apartments are set to be decided this week.
Earlier this year, proposals were lodged to transform the former home of HSBC on Fawcett Street.
The Grade II-Listed building was originally built in 1902 and sits at number 14 on the corner with St Thomas Street, opposite other banks which are also listed buildings.
I n Feb r u a r y, i t wa s re - vealed the site had been sold subject to contracts being signed.
The following month, X8 Properties Ltd lodged an application to convert the space into 15 apartments and a retail unit on the ground floor.
Sunderland City Council’s planning authority have recommended the plans for approval.
H owe ve r, th e f i n a l s ay rests with the council’s Plann i n g a n d H i g hways ( E a s t ) Committee which will meet o n Fr i d ay, t o d i s c u s s t h e scheme.
This includes a new shopf ro nt a n d d o o r way to th e building’s southern elevation, a doorway to a bin storage area to the east and secure cycle parking.
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 fabric covering.
Developers have said the apartment scheme will help to safeguard the building and improve the appearance of the street.
In a report to councillors, council highways bosses say the site is well served by public transport with a ‘city centre residents parking scheme’ also available for residents with cars.
M e a nwh i l e, t h e T y n e and Wear Archaeologist has called for historic building recording to take place before any works start on site.
A decision on the plans will be made at this week’s planning hearing which will be held remotely and broadc a s t l ive o n t h e c o u n c i l ’s YouTube channel ‘sunderlandgov’.
I f ap p rove d , th e ap p l i - cant is expected to provide a financial contribution to the council, via a section 106 agreement, to reduce the impact of the development on coastal nature sites.
The meeting starts at 2pm and can viewed here: youtu. be/m-48k024eyw