A long-standing Sunderland staple restaurant has revealed its impending closing date to its loyal customers.
Luciano's Ristorante has stood on High Street West for decades, however, they are being forced to leave their home of 31 years to make way for a brand new Culture House. And it has been revealed this week that Sunderland City Council have given their tenant their evacuation notice, meaning that Luciano's will close in just over a week's time.
The eatery announced that their last day of service will be on Saturday April 2 - as they must leave the premises on April 4. A statement released on Luciano's official Facebook page read: "It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the closure of our much-loved restaurant.
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"As you are all aware, the building is set to be demolished and yesterday we received our notice from Sunderland City Council. We need to vacate the premises on Monday 4th April, 10 days from now. After 31 years we will be closing our doors to you all on Saturday 2nd April.
"If anyone has any vouchers still valid, we can refund the amount to you or you may use them before we close next weekend. A formal statement will be released in due course. Thank you all for your continued support."
Habib Farahi who runs the Italian restaurant with his brother Masoud, spoke to Chronicle Live earlier this year about the relocation of the restaurant after a petition emerged online calling for Sunderland City Council to assist them any way they could.
The petition called "Support Luciano's Restaurant Sunderland" received 4,693 signatures, calling upon the council to assist Lucianos in relocating, keeping them in the area they have built their reputation in over the last three decades.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Habib said: "We had our rent reduced because of the lease situation and all of these things. The council also promised to help us move out when it comes to leaving the premises - and at the moment we are working together.
"They're coming in and they're trying their best to find a new home for us - we are talking to each other and we are trying to focus the situation and hopefully something comes of it. At the moment there are some positive talks going on, so let's hope it will happen soon."
The subsequent news of the closure was not received well by fans who regularly visit the venue - with many sharing their good memories at the end of an era.
Adam Maddison, wrote: "I used to go to the crow tree [pool] with my mates for a swim when I was a kid, then go for half a pizza after! Nostalgic memory for me, all the best for your futures. Great shame."
Steven Harrison, added: "Such a shame been going there for over 25 year. The restaurant is the best by far and so too the staff good luck for the future."
Debbie Duffie, commented: "So sorry to hear this, hope you get now premises close by. Love coming to Luciano's before the theatre. Good Luck. This is very sad."
And Martin Lawson said: "A landmark of Sunderland, utterly sad news for the town, for the wonderful staff and of course for Habib and Masoud whom have tirelessly fed, watered and entertained Sunderland for the last 31 years. Hopefully we see a new venue very soon. Thanks for the memories."
The subsequent demolition of the building is expected to begin this year, with a new culture house set to replace the establishment as part of Sunderland City Council's 'Riverside Masterplan', which will see city-wide improvements.
It is hoped the Culture House will bring a 'vibrant, dynamic and engaging space' to the city.
Chief executive of Sunderland City Council, Patrick Melia, said: “Ambitious cities develop and change, and transformational programmes like the one we are delivering in our city centre will – inevitably – mean that some businesses relocate as new developments move forward.
“We set out plans to develop Culture House in 2019, with a vision to create a world-class venue that will inspire and excite people of all ages.
"Sunderland needs impressive new visitor attractions in the city centre, to draw people in and complement, and indeed stimulate the growth of, the wider retail and leisure offer.
“Given the plans we have for Culture House, we have worked hard to support Luciano’s – who are based in an existing building that will be demolished to make way for the development – as they look to start a new chapter elsewhere in the city. They have been given seven years’ notice of our intention to redevelop the area, and we have worked with them since to offer a significant reduction in rent in recognition of the fact we could not guarantee they could remain there in the long term.
"We have also actively supported them to explore alternative locations that might be suitable as they prepared to vacate their premises. Ultimately, though we can support - and indeed have worked hard to do so – it is right that Luciano’s’ management team makes its own decision about where it is based and we will continue to work with them to support as much as we can as they look for a new home.”
