Plans serve up redeveloped cafe in award-winning country park
A new-look park cafe looks set to be up and running by next summer.
Councillors have given the go-ahead for the next step in delivering a £650,000 “muchneeded enhancement” to Herrington Park Cafe.
Sunderland City Council Cabinet approved commencing the procurement process to redevelop the cafe facilities at Herrington Country Park.
They also backed the subsequent awarding of contracts for the capital works required for the improvements at the site.
It comes after the council approved £650,000 towards the delivery of a reconfigured cafe and events space within the site office at Herrington Country Park as part of its 2021 capital programme.
The work will include the redevelopment of the existing cafe, including an expansion of the facilities into the current vehicle storage depot in Herrington Lodge.
Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, presenting the report, said the development would provide a “welcoming space for the families” visiting Herrington Country Park.
She said: “This proposal represents part of the council’s multi-million pound investment that accompanies its commitment to improving the facilities in our city’s parks and open spaces.
“It will provide the Green
Flag-awarded Herrington Country Park with a redeveloped modern and attractive
cafe area that will provide an increasing number of residents and families visiting the
park with great space for both indoor and outdoor service.”
She added it is hoped the work will be complete and new cafe operational in summer 2022.
The council’s proposal is to provide a ‘shell’ cafe fit-out with an eventual tenant being responsible for the installation of required equipment, fixtures and fittings.
Cllr Graeme Miller, City Council leader, said: “It’s just a much-needed enhancement for the people using the park, I’m delighted it’s coming forward.”
The city Ccouncil lodged a planning application with its own planning department for the work at the site.
Proposals detailed how the works are expected to create a new kitchen/servery, entrancesandaseatingarea,alongside external alterations including new windows and an enlarged terrace for seating.