Betting shop plan for long-empty rail station unit
LDRSA long-vacant retail unit in a city's multimillion-pound railway station could become a betting shop.
Gambling company BoyleSports wants to open a branch in Sunderland train station's main business unit, which faces Market Square.
The site has been empty since the redeveloped southern concourse opened in December 2023.
BoyleSports said the shop could help boost footfall and spending.
If the betting office gets the go-ahead, it will employ three full-time and three part-time staff.
The transport hub has faced a range of issues, including public toilets being vandalised, lifts being damaged and staff previously being "targeted" while attempting to clean facilities.
The railway station has been discussed at several meetings of Sunderland City Council, where its design, internal space and the quality of public facilities have been criticised, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The station is owned by Network Rail and operated by Northern Trains.
It is understood the council has previously offered informal support to Northern around the marketing and letting of retail space.
Attempts have also been made to boost footfall with market events and live music, as well as the addition of a new independent business, Caribe Coffee.
In a recent statement, Northern said it was working to attract tenants to fill vacant retail space at the station, and hoped for a "fit out" of the largest retail unit in 2026.
A decision on the betting shop plan is expected after a consultation exercise.
