Jobs and economy boost as council backs new 40-bed Seaburn inn plans

Sunderland’s seaside is set for a job and economic boost after plans for a 40-bed inn were approved.

The city’s council has rubber-stamped proposals for a three-storey venue in Seaburn.

Led by The Inn Collection Group, the planned development will provide fresh employment opportunities for local workers by offering a “pub with rooms”, as well as an eatery and play park.

Work will start on the venue – which will stand close to Martino’s restaurant on the main coast road – before the end of the year.

It is expected to open in the second half of 2020.

Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group, said it was delighted to have received planning permission “for what will be a fantastic addition to the seaside in Sunderland.”

He added the development will accompany a new direction from The Inn Collection Group that is focused on developing a completely freehold estate as it seeks to more than double its ten-strong portfolio of pubs with rooms by 2022.

Its most recent new-build developments include The Commissioners Quay Inn, in Blyth, Northumberland, with The Ambleside Inn – a 30-bedroom pub with rooms – due to open in the Cumbrian town next month.

“The Inn Collection Group has a proven track record in delivering purpose-built inns, operating on a model that provides value-for-money accommodation, quality beverages and homemade pub fare served all day, 365 days a year,” said Sean, pictured seated.

“Seaburn will – we are sure – become a popular addition to our portfolio of pubs with rooms in the North’s best-loved destinations, including the Northumberland coast, Durham and the Lake District.

“We look forward to seeing it rise from the ground, with a view to opening our doors towards the end of 2020.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the new inn will complement additional developments across the city, which include the revitalisation of the former Vaux Brewery site.

He added: “We have world-class beaches, and we need to ensure they are maximised with places for families to enjoy.

“The new Seaburn inn will be somewhere that not only residents from the city can enjoy, but a place for visitors to stay and enjoy the sights of the city, with lovely views over to Seaburn seaside.”

Elsewhere across Sunderland, online retailer Ocado and Penshaw View have already taken space in THE BEAM, which is the first development on the old Vaux site, with work on a second phase – to create a new City Hall – expected to start soon.

Further work includes a 450-seater auditorium in the city’s Minster Quarter and a new business centre, based in the former River Wear Commissioners Building.