A former bank in Sunderland is set to transform once again, with its upper floor being converted into a beauty and wellbeing centre for local residents.
Nicola Vallely, who opened her Vallelys cafe and wine lounge in the converted Lloyds Bank building on Sea Road in Fulwell last December, has announced plans to expand the venue. The upper floor will now house therapists, aesthetics practitioners, and creative workshops, creating what Vallely describes as a seamless experience for customers.
The announcement comes just months after the venue opened its doors in December 2025. According to Vallely, the business is already outperforming sales forecasts and currently employs 12 staff, with three further positions being advertised.
“Vallely is turning her attention to converting the upper floor into a dedicated space for wellbeing practitioners, therapists and creative workshops,” a statement from the Sunderland BID confirmed.
The project has received backing from the Sunderland Business Partnership, described as a collective of organisations with an interest in the city’s development. Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, praised the plans and noted that Vallely’s efforts had been recognised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“It’s fantastic to see Vallelys continuing to grow with the opening of the new beauty and wellbeing hub and to see Nicola’s efforts being recognised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer,” Councillor Johnston said.
The conversion of the former bank, which closed in 2023, represents an example of bringing empty retail spaces back to life. Sunderland’s city centre currently has a retail vacancy rate of approximately 21 percent.
The timing of the announcement coincides with broader regeneration efforts in Sunderland, including a 1.5 million pound Pride in Place Impact Fund investment announced by the council last week.
For local residents, the expansion means new beauty and wellbeing options will be available on Sea Road, providing more reasons to visit the high street while supporting local entrepreneurs.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
