Green light for extensive retail scheme

The green light has been secured for an extensive new retail scheme on the site of a former social club in Sunderland.Langley Lodge Developments has secured the go-ahead from Sunderland City Council for the conversion of Farringdon Social Club and Institute into eight new retail and commercial units.The units will be comprised of A1 retail, A2 financial services and A3 cafes, with one of them already allocated to be used by Heron Foods. The existing William Hill unit located on the south east corner of the building will be retained.It is expected that the completed development will create between 26 and 53 FTE jobs.A staff parking and delivery area will be provided to the rear of the building with service access to the individual units provided within a covered shared goods yard.The customer car park will be located to the front of the building and will accommodate 48 spaces, including three electric vehicle and two disabled bays.Farringdon Social Club and Institute, which is located on Anthony Road, has previously been used as a bookmaker and taxi booking office. The building has been vacant with the exception of the William Hill unit since the social club closed in 2017.