New plans submitted for The Botanist at Sunderland's Keel Square as chain prepares for Autumn 2023 opening
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for one of the four units below the Holiday Inn hotel at Keel Square.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSeveral planning applications have been approved since to make the Holiday Inn unit ready for The Botanist, including an outdoor seating area and “modest PA system playing background music at low levels”.
A new planning application submitted to council officials this month is now seeking permission for further physical changes to the hotel unit.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdProposed plans include replacing one set of French doors with a “full length bi-folding door surmounted by glazing panels”.
A cover letter submitted to council officials states the site is “currently in the middle of its fit out” with new plans aiming to “better accommodate The Botanist’s operational needs”.
Applicants added the plans would “enhance the curb appeal for pedestrians passing” and provide “improved views” for customers, as well as making it “easier for staff to serve patrons both inside and outside the unit”.
The covering letter states: “The proposed bi-folding doors would be a small change to the frontage and provide benefits to The Botanist’s operations, including improved interface with Keel Square, better experience for the patrons and improved ventilation.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The Botanist is an important tenant to help bring in footfall to Keel Square and the wider city centre.
“The proposals would accord with the development and therefore should be approved without delay”.
Confirmed occupiers for the Holiday Inn business units so far include New World Trading Company, which will bring The Botanist to Keel Square.