Landmark Sunderland building set for new lease of life

Landmark Sunderland building set for new lease of life

A historic building which played an important role in the formation of Sunderland AFC is set for a new lease of life after being acquired by the city council.

The Norfolk Hotel played host to a meeting of school teachers in October 1879, ultimately leading to the formation of the now League One side.

Built in two parts – the first in the late 1800s and the entrance in 1900 – the site was converted into a city centre hotel before becoming a hostel. It has since fallen into a poor state of repair.

The council has taken possession of The Norfolk Hotel in a bid to reimagine it as a place that plays a positive role in Sunniside's development. It is the latest in a series of acquisitions across the city centre.

Plans are now being worked on to revive the building.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The Norfolk Hotel is a special building and has fantastic heritage as the founding place of the city's beloved football club, but it has – for some years – become a forgotten asset and a magnet for problems.

"Our historic buildings deserve to be protected, and it is incumbent on us to do that. Millions of pounds were – rightly – invested in Sunniside and it went some way towards creating a vibrant new part of the city centre.  But we have to also tackle some of the more challenging parts of Sunniside if we truly want to transform that part of Sunderland, and allow it to realise its vast potential.

"The redevelopment of the Norfolk Hotel will allow us to breathe a new lease of life into this corner of the city and we're working with private investors to explore plans that will support new jobs and bring more footfall to local bars, restaurants and stores in the surrounding streets."

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