Sunderland’s hotly anticipated leisure venue STACK Seaburn has revealed that its commercial units are almost full, after an influx of tenants signed on the dotted line to take space.
STACK developer, Danieli Holdings, has revealed that just three of the 22 units at the seaside venue remain vacant, after a large number of businesses – many of them Sunderland based – committed to take space when doors open in August.
Units, which come in a range of sizes to suit different kinds of businesses, have been snapped up by traders including local favourites Downey’s Fish & Chips and Healthy Thaim, as well as businesses that are new to the city, like Acropolis, a Greek street food operator that has ‘popped up’ at events in Sunderland in the past.
There will be plenty of options when it comes to drinks too, with gin and wine bars all in the venue.
As well as food and drink operators, a range of lifestyle businesses are taking space in the trendy new venue, including Woofs n Scruffs, a dog grooming and supplies business , Games Cabin, a computer gaming company and Haiir & Skiin who will be offering laser therapies, hair and beauty services.
Lee Roberts from Longhorns BBQ, who also has a restaurant in Newcastle, has also signed on the dotted line to take space in STACK, bringing his smokehouse offer to Sunderland.
He said: “Sunderland is my city and I love the seaside. I’ve been watching STACK for a while and have seen how well they’ve done in Newcastle.
“I think Sunderland will be just as good. I’m really looking forward to bringing Longhorns, and the BBQ food we’re famous for to Seaburn.
“I think our offer will fit really well with STACK Seaburn. Nice, easy, meaty dishes that will team perfectly with the beers and IPAs on offer in the venue. We’re looking forward to a busy opening.”
STACK’s units are built from shipping containers that are assembled to make an enclosed village that can operate in all weather conditions, offering an exciting new destination for socialising and events.
Only lifestyle units remain available, with the owners keen to hear from barbers, tattooists, bike repair or hire shops or yoga operators interested in joining the quirky line-up.
Neill Winch from Danieli Holdings said: “We have been really pleased with the response to this development from businesses across the North East and with little over a month to go until we open, we’re thrilled to have secured operators for most of our units, which will ensure this development delivers a varied and exciting customer experience.
“It is great that many of the businesses opening in STACK Seaburn are local – we’re really passionate about creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.”
Businesses interested in finding out more about the units left can contact info@stackseaburn.com.
There is scope to adapt the spaces to meet the needs of different kinds of occupiers.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are committed as a council to supporting developments that deliver community wealth – jobs for Sunderland people and opportunities for local businesses – and this achieves just that, while also creating a brilliant new space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We’re thrilled that so many businesses have spotted an opportunity and leapt at it, and we’re sure they will help make the venue a huge success when it opens in time for the August Bank Holiday Weekend.”
STACK will be a community space where people come together through music, sport, events and regular pop ups, while making the most of the seafront destination with a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
It is one of a number of positive seaside developments set to move forward, transforming the area into a vibrant place to live and play.
Adjacent to STACK, on the site of the former Pullman Lodge, work has begun on The Seaburn Inn, a new 40-bedroom pub with rooms being built by multi-award-winning The Inn Collection Group.
The inn with rooms, which will include an outdoor family play area for customers to enjoy, is the latest development from North East headquartered Inn Collection Group, which also has inns in Blyth, Amble, The Lake District, Alnwick and Bamburgh.
And peppered along the coastline stand a number of under-used and historic buildings, which are also set to be transformed with more than £800k committed to bring them back into use.
Plans will see a former toilet block at Roker, along with the former Bay Shelter and the old tram shelter at Seaburn, transformed into cafés and restaurants, and 12 beach huts will also be added along the seafront.
This will build on stunning landscaping works undertaken within the last decade, which saw new sculptures and public art added to the promenade to create a more attractive seafront vista.
There are also plans for upgrades to the infrastructure of Seaburn Camp to make it better for touring caravans.
Roker is also looking forward to welcoming Phase 2 of Pier Point, which will build on the success of the first development that saw a range of cafes and eateries pop up along the coastline.
The second phase is underway, and will add to the range of places for residents and visitors to enjoy.
To stay up to date with news and developments from STACK Seaburn, search Stack Seaburn on Facebook or Instagram and visit the website www.stackseaburn.com