Former eye hospital to be demolished as new homes proposed
BBCA former city hospital will be demolished to make way for a potential housing development.
Sunderland Eye Infirmary, on Queen Alexandra Road, has been empty since services moved to the city's new £50m Specialist Eye Hospital in the summer.
The disused building dates back to the 1940s and work to decommission it was completed in August.
Sunderland City Council has now approved plans to flatten it, potentially making way for 62 homes. Housebuilder Story Homes is behind the proposals. A council report confirmed nearby residents, businesses and ward councillors would be contacted before demolition begins.
Planning documents had stated demolition work was expected to start on 1 October and would take nine months.
The buildings are currently still standing because the local authority granted prior approval for demolition on 16 October after ruling that the proposed works and subsequent treatment of the site were acceptable, subject to conditions.
An asbestos survey will be carried out before the buildings are pulled down.
A detailed investigation of the site will also take place ahead of any potential redevelopment.
Three foundation stones from the infirmary will be saved and incorporated as a feature within the new Specialist Eye Hospital.
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