Development to restore “former glory” to Sunderland seafront

Plans have been submitted for a new commercial unit along the seafront at Sunderland’s Roker Beach. The proposal forms the second phase of the Marine Walk development, and follows the addition of a fish and chip shop, restaurants and apartments in previous years. Developer BBL NE is seeking permission to erect a two-storey building providing 3,000 sq ft of floorspace at a site which is currently an unusable grass embankment.The unit will include a glass frontage looking out across Roker Beach and the North Sea, designed in a similar style to the adjacent first phase.Though the development is speculative, the plans suggest the premises could be occupied by a bar, restaurant or surfboard rental shop.The application to Sunderland City Council seeks consent for retail, restaurant and café and takeaway uses. An occupying business is expected to support up to 20 new part-time and full-time jobs.