Planning secured for £4.2m Sunderland office-to-student scheme

Ashbrookes will transform the 18,300 sq ft building in the city centre into 84 studio apartments, a gym, and continue to use a ground-floor retail unit as the location for its sister company estate agency.

Plans were submitted in March last year, and the project aims to address Sunderland’s lack of PBSA. The current supply only meets 20% of demand.

Located on John Street in the Sunniside area of the city, the building was formerly home to the Department for Work and Pensions and the developer has worked alongside the council to ensure it fits in with the wider masterplan for the area.

Construction will begin soon, once a contractor has been appointed, and internal works have already started.

Ashbrookes will retain ownership of the building, adding to its student accommodation across the North East.

Arif Mushtaq, chief executive of Ashbrookes Group, said: “We are delighted to receive planning approval from Sunderland City Council and have greatly valued the support in helping us shape a scheme that reflects the ambition and heritage of the Sunniside area.

“This development not only helps tackle the pressing shortage of student accommodation in the city but also plays a part in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

“By introducing modern, energy-efficient student living and commercial space, we’re proud to be contributing to Sunderland’s economic and educational future.”