One of Sunderland's most ornate historic buildings is set to enter a new phase after restaurant plans were given the green light.
Plans to change the ground and first floor of the former school building, Langham Tower on Ryhope Road near the city centre into a restaurant and bar were approved by Sunderland city council this week. Function rooms that are to be used for events such as wedding receptions are also part of the transformational plans.
The Grade II-listed building in Ashbrooke is one of the most striking buildings in the city, and more recently has been operating as a multi-purpose venue, with an outdoor bar in the grounds of the building becoming a popular haunt for locals.
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A statement accompanying the plans, which were approved on February 9, state: "There will be light background music played throughout the ground floor areas throughout weekdays and weekends with occasional live music and a DJ on weekends for events such as wedding receptions. Please note all music and live music will be non-amplified. There will not be someone booked to sing once a day, there will be a more sporadic approach to this which won’t affect the overall sound levels for those using the restaurant area."
The function rooms in the building will be used periodically for events, such as wedding receptions and funeral wakes, but will mainly be used for restaurant use. Work to the building will incorporate minor internal and external alterations, including picnic and dining tables to the patio area, overlooking the grassed area at the south.
The impressive building dates back to 1889-91 when it was built as a private home for William Adamson, the son of a shipbuilder and shipowner. The building was also rented by the Vaux family before it became part of Sunderland High School until 2016.
Permission had also previously been granted by the council to redevelop to the southern portion of land at Langham Tower to create a retirement complex.
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