Plans for works to “improve the appearance and security” of a regeneration project at a historic Sunderland site have been submitted to council development bosses.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for 34 Norfolk Street in the Sunniside Conservation Area.
The building, which played a central role in the formation of Sunderland AFC, was previously acquired by the city council as part of its regeneration plans.
A blue plaque at the site recognises the building as the former home of the British Day School, which hosted a meeting of local school teachers in 1879 which would lead to the formation of Sunderland AFC, originally known as Sunderland and District Teachers’ Association.
The red brick building was also built in two parts, the first in the late 1800s and the entrance in 1900 and the site was converted into a hotel and later, a hostel.
Plans approved by council planning officers back in June, 2022, aimed to change the use of the site to accommodate a range of cultural, creative and community uses.
This included spaces for artist studios, creative workspace, offices, retail, a café, craft workshops and wellbeing and fitness classes, with spaces for the voluntary and community sector including charities and community groups.
