As well as a number of new buildings rising into the city skyline, such as the Riverside Sunderland development on the old Vaux site and the Auditorium being created next to the Fire Station, a number of the city’s old buildings are being repurposed.
We round up some of the current transformations, from a hub of independent shops now calling Mackie’s Corner home to the city’s only castle getting set to open its doors.
9. Mackie's Corner, corner of Bridge Street and High Street West
A number of businesses have already opened their doors as part of the ongoing renaissance of Mackie's Corner, including Black Door Hairdressing, Bou-Chique, Fat Unicorn, Cafe 1851 and Sweet Petite. More independent businesses are set to take up remaining units in the coming months at what's fast becoming a thriving creative hub. Local property developers, the Kirtley family purchased the property in 2017. Their bold vision was to return Mackie’s Corner to its roots by redeveloping the site as a mixed commercial property with multiple retail outlets and office spaces. Historic England and Sunderland City Council supported this ambitious redevelopment project with a grant of £350,000 through Sunderland Heritage Action Zone’s Partnership Grant Scheme. Photo: jpi media
10. Hidden and Tequila Tequila, Galen Building, Green Terrace
A new nightclub and a bar with its own rooftop garden are being created as part of a major investment in a landmark city centre building. The distinctive red brick Galen Building, which dates back to 1900 when it was used as a technical college, has had many uses over the years including as Liquid, Diva and Basement nightclubs, while the neighbouring unit has housed bars such as Varsity and Tequila Tequila. Now, businessman Michael Downey, who has four decades of experience in Sunderland night life, has taken over the lease of the former Basement club, which has been empty for four years, as well as the former Varsity site which has been closed since before the pandemic. The nightclub boss previously ran the Varsity site as Tequila Tequila and has brought back the Mexican restaurant on the ground floor of the site. Upstairs, meanwhile, has become a new home for Hidden which Michael has had to move because of the redevelopment work at its previous home in Park Lane Market. The former Basement will become a new nightclub called Trilogy. Photo: jpi media
Work is progressing on the transformation of an old toilet block in Roker into a new gin bar for the city. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Davis family, who own Durham’s Tin of Sardines, are bringing their successful gin emporium and restaurant concept to Sunderland with a sister Tin of Sardines site. Work has started on creating the gin bar in the former Roker Toilet Block in Pier View, as part of a wave of investment along the seafront. Photo: jpi media
The team behind the city’s much-loved Mexico 70 and Ship Isis are breathing new life into a disused seafront shelter. They plan to open a high-end seafood restaurant, aimed at appealing to Sunderland residents as well as attracting customers from across the region. Photo: submitted