Vaux brewing up new seafront shelter 'craft beer cafe' plans
Proposals for a “craft beer café” development on Sunderland’s seafront have been unveiled.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for buildings at Marine Walk, near Grannie Annie’s Pub and Pantry.
The masterminds behind the scheme are excited by the plans and say the transformationcouldbecompletetowards the end of next year.
According to the planning submission, the application includes buildings and land adjoining the old resort/tourist office.
The new plans aim to revamp the site with a new café/ barwithhotandcoldfoodsales and an outdoor seating area.
Sunderland-based Vaux Brewery,whichre-established the legendary brand in 2019 and has a tap room in Monk Street, is listed as the official applicant for the scheme.
Michael Thompson, Vaux Breweryco-director,described the concept as a “craft beer café” serving food and coffees during the day and more of a craft beer offering in the evening.
This includes beers being servedfrom“allovertheworld” as well as potential scope for live music in the future.
“We’re really excited for what we can do with the building,” Mr Thompson said.
“Towards the back end of next year, we will be ready to trade if we’re successful with the planning application.
“We want to make it a real destination and a really good addition to the city and seafront.”
Supporting statements submitted with the planning application state the proposals would help to regenerate the site by repairing and refurbishingtheexistingstructures.
This includes external alterations, re-roofing and the infilling of the open shelter area, as well as the installation of extraction equipment.
In addition, the application form states four full-time and four part-time employees are proposedforthedevelopment.
A planning, design and access statement submitted with the application states the
scheme would provide a “new commercial/recreational use in an established leisure destination”.
The statement reads:
“The proposed development scheme does not impinge on themaritimeandseasidecharacter of this wider environs, providing continuity.”
It adds: “The public realm would be improved by these proposals, as the site is in need ofrefurbishmentandnewuse.
“Ease of movement and access is ensured around the development by the existing pavements along the promenade.
“The proposals are legitimateandlegibleinthisseaside, touristsetting;eminentlysuitableforthisrathersmall,niche site and complement and provide modest competition with the other leisure uses in this locality.”
Thestatementaddsthatthe schemewould“notpreventthe land/site/buildingsbeingagain adapted or diversified should thatbeseenasnecessaryinthe future”.
It goes on to say: “This new local leisure and recreation facility is something which will add to the offer of the city, and will also ease pressures on other establishments along Marine Walk, providing competition and a different experience.”
A decision on the planning application is expected in January.
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