Former Sunderland job centre could become 84 student studios

The site in question is on John Street in Sunderland city centre, directly opposite the former Joplings building.

Ashbrookes Design and Build Ltd has applied to repurpose the existing building and add two extra floors.

The project has been in development for several years and was previously approved by Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee in April 2025.

Plans then included 84 single-occupancy student studios, an increase from the original 78.

However, approval was conditional on completing a legal agreement, which was not finalised before the council’s deadline.

As a result, the application was refused.

Despite this setback, the developer confirmed their commitment to the scheme and said they would resubmit the plans with the required legal documentation.

New proposals submitted last month could see the project revived.

The design of the proposed new student accommodation (Image: LDRS)

CGI images show the development will retain the ground-floor commercial unit currently occupied by Ashbrookes.

A design and access statement details the layout, including six ground-floor studios, a communal lounge, office space, refuse and bike storage, laundry facilities, and a plant room.

The first floor would house 22 studios, a gym, an additional lounge, and storage areas.

A further 56 studios would be spread across the proposed second and third floors.

The applicant believes the design supports student wellbeing.

The applicant said: “The group living concept, in which the residents have access to shared lounges etc, promotes a sense of community, shared ownership and successful bonding between the students.”

Access for service vehicles, including refuse collection and student arrivals, would use the existing service yard on St Thomas Street.

The developer’s commitment to the project and experience with similar schemes are highlighted in the planning documents.

A final decision will be made following a public consultation.