Sunderland set for jobs boost via Starbucks and Greggs drive-thru plans

Plans for a drive-thru Starbucks and a Greggs bakery which could create up to 20 jobs have been submitted to Sunderland City Council.

Commercial property developer and investor UK Land Estates is behind the planned development on the southern edge of Sunderland’s Pennywell Industrial Estate next to the A183 Chester Road/Hylton Road roundabout.

UK Land says the scheme on the site of the former Dewhirst clothing factory would enhance the range of food and drink facilities for those working on the industrial estate, local residents, people on their way in and out of Sunderland city centre and those passing by along the A183.

Starbucks is looking to add to its well-established presence of outlets throughout the North East with a drive-thru unit on the site. Greggs also aims to expand its drive-thru offering on major transport routes with a similarly sized unit.

The two units would share a 40-space car park, two electric vehicle charging points, eight cycle parking spaces and would join a Wickes store, Aldi supermarket and KFC restaurant on Pennywell Industrial Estate.

A total of up to 20 jobs will be created at the two drive-thru units if the plans are approved by Sunderland City Council and a decision is expected in early May.

Tim Witty, development director at UK Land Estates, said: “The proposed development will complete the regeneration of the former Dewhirst site – bringing with it new jobs, a boost to the economy and benefits for local workers and residents.

“Pennywell Industrial Estate is a site well connected to the North and South via the A19 and has good access to public transport so it’s a site we’re focussed on continuing to develop and expand its offering. “

An application for planning permission to create the development has been submitted to Sunderland City Council, which is due to discuss the matter at its meeting on May 6.

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