City leisure spot opens its doors to public

The structure was originally built in 1883

A new £4m leisure venue will open to the public for the first time following its redevelopment.

The Sheepfolds in Sunderland was built in 1883 and previously housed working horses for the North East Railway Company.

The new leisure complex contains eight bars and restaurants, as well as a dance studio and wedding venue.

Nigel Wood, the venue's general manager, said he hoped the site would become an "integral part of the community".

"Conservation has been a massive part of the project everything that you see on the exterior is original and inside you can feel the history due to the design," he added.

The venue had been due to open in autumn 2023 but the planned opening was pushed back after work stalled due to poor weather.

Hairy Biker Si King has endorsed the Sheepfolds venue

The Grade II listed structure has received the seal of approval from Hairy Biker Si King.

King has delayed the opening of his own restaurant in the complex due in part to the death of his onscreen partner Dave Myers earlier this year.

"There are grand designs for Sunderland and this place is part of it, this is for the people of Sunderland, it’s for the folk who live here," he said.

The project is a key part of Sunderland City Council’s regeneration scheme, with plans for the city's new footbridge connecting the Sheepfolds area to the city centre.