Hopes for M&S building as High Street plans backed
LDRSOutline plans for the large redevelopment of a high street have been approved.
A mix of shops, offices and flats are proposed for several units in High Street West in Sunderland, including the vacant former Marks & Spencer (M&S) site.
CGI images show its facade incorporated into a redeveloped building as the council's "preferred approach", subject to the "outcome of a viability appraisal at the detailed design stage".
But planning documents acknowledged there may be a situation where this is "not feasible nor structurally possible".
Other units covered by the proposals include the Sports Direct store and adjacent Dicksons premises, the demolished former Argos and Mothercare site and the "West Walk" retail unit next to the Holiday Inn.
Permission in principle was sought for the full or partial demolition of the existing buildings and to pull down the pedestrian bridge connecting High Street West with St Mary's Multi-Storey Car Park.
The Labour-run council also wanted permission for the principle of mixed-use development with detailed design for each plot to be determined later in the planning process, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
LDRSConservative councillor Michael Dixon noted the M&S facade was "important to the people of Sunderland".
Council planners said they were aware of its community significance and that a future reserved matters application would secure final designs.
Labour's Martyn Herron said: "My generation made our memories in this town in places like Crowtree, Marks & Spencer and other places like Ku Club on the other side of High Street West.
"These developments, this is where the next generation of Sunderland residents are going to make their memories."