An empty Victorian beachside shelter on the Roker Riviera has been transformed into an exciting new venue that is now open for visitors.
The team behind the city’s Vaux Brewery and Taproom, who acquired the Vaux name in 2019, have opened their newest venture- Elephant Rock- on Roker’s seafront, the latest venue to add to the city’s burgeoning hospitality scene.
The shelter, which has stood at the lower entrance to Roker Park for over one hundred years, has been transformed with plans approved for renovation in 2022 and work carried out since.
Michael Thompson and Steve Smith, directors at Vaux Brewery, have been supported in the development by business partner George Clarke, the TV architect, and national property firm Bradley Hall.
Joseph I’Anson, Director at Bradley Hall Teesside, leased the building on behalf of the council. Helen Wall, Director of Bradley Hall Sunderland, and Associate Director James Thompson provided Professional Services as part of the redevelopment.
Joseph commented on the opening: “I am pleased to have been able to help the team at Vaux to expand their offering to the seafront, and work alongside my colleagues to provide a full-service approach to commercial property development in Sunderland.
“There is so much happening in Roker and there have been plenty of exciting new developments and venues that have increased the footfall in the area.
“I am certain that Vaux’s newest location will be a hit with locals and visitors alike, keen to enjoy a Sunderland staple.
“I wish Michael, Steve and all the team the very best in their newest venture.”
As well as the shelter, the new site will incorporate neighbouring storage and office space, forming one large venue serving food and drinks for takeaway and sit-in guests. The site has been transformed with a new roof, beer cellar, bar, kitchen and bifold doors- offering patrons stunning views of Roker Beach.
A number of new businesses have opened on the Seafront in recent years, including Tin of Sardines, Six and These Things Happen, with Elephant Rock becoming one of the last new venues to complete the stretch along Roker Seafront.
Come summer, the seafront will be a fully restored, welcoming place for visitors and locals to enjoy family entertainment, water activities and food and drink.
Bradley Hall, which has 11 offices across the UK, supports several local authorities and councils to attract tenants and owners for disused properties, ensuring they increase the economy and aestheticism of local areas.
As a full-service property firm, Bradley Hall supports a number of other large clients alongside local authorities, including housebuilders, healthcare providers and the education sector, as well as private landlords and property owners.
For more information on property acquisitions, or Bradley Hall’s full scope of services, visit www.bradleyhall.co.uk
