Sunderland Council tables plans to demolish former Thorney Close Social Club and build apartments on it

Sunderland City Council have submitted their own proposals to demolish the former Thorney Close social club and build apartments on it, documents sent to SGM show.

The proposal document states “the development will consist of 22nos 1 bed self contained apartments for individuals with support needs” as well as “associated support and living space.”

The intended residents of these apartments will be “vulnerable people who find themselves homeless” from a “range of backgrounds”, or people who are in need of care or asisstance.

It further states this can also include people who have suffered “mental health issues” and those “suffering from substance abuse.”

The council claims that “it will not be a bail hostel” and that there will be a “risk assessment” for those who are placed there regarding potential sex offenders, but does not rule it out.

The Thorney Close social club, built in the 1960s, closed during the pandemic, in part of what has been a trend of closures of similar pubs throughout Sunderland as drinking habits change.