Sunderland’s empty Debenhams unit eyed for karting and leisure complex

The long‑vacant Debenhams unit at The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland is the subject of new plans to turn it into a multi‑storey go‑karting and entertainment hub, bringing noise, neon and new life back to one of the centre’s biggest spaces.

The building has stood empty since Debenhams closed in May 2021, but if the vision goes ahead, shoppers could soon be watching karts whizz past where mannequins once stood.

Under the proposals, the old store would be gutted and reimagined as a high‑energy venue operated by TeamSport, with two 16‑kart tracks, a dedicated “mini racers” circuit for younger drivers, bowling lanes, a sizeable arcade and new restaurant areas.

The idea is to create a place where families, groups of friends and work nights out can all find something to do under one roof – whether they’re chasing lap times or just cheering from the sidelines.

Planning documents acknowledge that the former department store is “no longer suited to modern retail requirements”, and warn that leaving such a prominent anchor unit empty drags down footfall and activity in The Bridges and the wider city centre.

The hope is that a big leisure draw will flip that on its head, encouraging trips, keeping people in the city for longer, and helping Sunderland’s centre feel busier and more vibrant into the evening as well as during the day.

If the plans are approved, the scheme is expected to create around 40 full‑time equivalent jobs, from track marshals and bar staff to technicians and managers.

Crucially, the project is designed to plug into what’s already there rather than starting from scratch.

Access and parking arrangements would remain unchanged, with visitors using the existing shopping centre entrances and car parks.

The proposal still has to go through consultation and the usual planning process, but if it gets the green light, one of Sunderland’s quietest corners could soon become one of its loudest, and liveliest.