Historic building to become apartments
A former historic bank building in the heart of Sunderland city centre is set for a new lease of life as apartments following a decision by city councillors.
The Grade II-listed former HSBC branch at Fawcett Street is a prominent building in the city centre and sits on the corner with St Thomas Street, opposite other listed buildings.
In 2011, HSBC moved its remaining Fawcett Street operations to its Market Square site. Since this date, the old branch building has been unused and protected by fabric covering.
Following the sale of the site earlier this year, X8 Properties Ltd have been progressing plans for the building, which dates back to 1902.
This included 15 apartm e nt s ac ro s s th e up p e r floors, a ground floor retail unit, secure cycle parking and a bin storage area.
During consultation, no objections were raised by the Tyne and Wear archaeologist or Sunderland City Council’s conservation officer.
On Friday, September 4, the council’s Planning and Highways (East) Committee approved the plans at a virtual meeting, which was held remotely and broadcast live on YouTube.
“I think it’s a great application,” said committee member Cllr James Doyle. “I think it’s going to help conserve and restore one of the city’s most impressive and valuable buildings.”
The applicant is also expected to provide a financial contribution to the council, via a section 106 legal agreement, to reduce the development’s impact on coastal nature sites.
While welcoming the building being brought back into use, Cllr Niall Hodson raised concerns about the size o f some of th e apa rtments. “Some are reasonably large but one or two of them are really quite small, I’m guessing that this is the only matrix that made it profitable for the developer?” he asked.
P l a n n i n g o f f i c e r s , re - sponding, said the footprint of the proposed accommodation would be “large enough to provide a good standard of living.”
Developers have said the apartment scheme will help to safeguard the former bank building and improve the appearance of the street.
A schedule of proposed works have also been submitted to refurbish the building, including repairs to the stonework.