Planning application submitted for new Tesco in Sunderland city centre

A planning application has been submitted by Tesco to open a new store at Unit 62 The Bridges – the current Sugarsole shop in Market Square, opposite Café Nero.

The planning application for news signage, glazing and sliding doors comes after an application for an alcohol licence was submitted to Sunderland Council in December.

The application is another step towards the supermarket re-opening a site in the town, which local councillors say is much-needed.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Millfield, Thornhill and the city centre Niall Hodson said:

“With this planning application coming on the back of an alcohol licence application last month, it looks now like we are definitely getting much-needed new Tesco Express just outside the Bridges.

“This is fantastic news, giving people another reason to come into the town and support local businesses at the same time - and helping people living in the city centre who desperately need a supermarket. The proposed site is a decent size and as it is just outside the main doors into the Bridges it won’t have to close when the main shopping centre closes, so we can finally have a small supermarket that is open late.

“I hope that work can begin as quickly as possible so that we can all benefit from having Tesco in the town once again.”