After decades of neglect, it’s now home to a host of independent businesses resulting in a hub of creativity in this corner of the city centre.
Local property developers, the Kirtley family, decided to take on the challenge of breathing new life into Mackie’s Corner, purchasing the property in 2017.
Their bold vision was to return the grand buildings to their 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.
Here’s a guide to the businesses who’ve taken up units so far.
1. Master Debonair
Successful menswear retailer Master Debonair, who already have a store in East Boldon, are currently renovating the namesake Mackie's Corner unit, once home to hatter Robert Mackie who could be seen making hats in the window. The renovation will make the most of the site's original Victorian features with a view to opening at the end of June. Photo: JPI Media
2. Black Door Hairdressing
Black Door Hairdressing, who successfully operated in Grange Terrace for the past eight years, opened in Mackie's Corner last year. Owner and salon director Tori Haig-Scott had been looking for larger premises, and the former Retox bar was the perfect place to expand her business, which incorporates hairdressing as well as beauty treatment rooms. It was also once the bar beneath Chambers and shared an entrance with the much-loved ‘90s club. Photo: JPI Media
3. The Sweet Petite
The Sweet Petite has proved a huge success story with queues often forming for its range of home-made fudges, chocolates, cake jars, brownies, cheesecakes, brittles and more, as well as their signature chuffles – cheesecake truffles. They have a small number of tables outside in line with the current restrictions and will have some inside for cakes and cuppas when sit-in dining is permitted from May 17. Photo: JPI Media
4. The Fat Unicorn
The Fat Unicorn opened at the end of last year, providing specialist cheeses, meats, nibbles, ice creams, wines and cocktails you won’t find on the supermarket shelves. It’s the brainchild of husband and wife team Scott and Amanda Martin who have a combined 30 years’ experience in the high end hospitality sector, working in esteemed restaurants and hotels such as Newcastle’s Michelin-starred House of Tides, The Rosewood London, The Square Mayfair, as well as luxury ski company Ski Verbier Exclusive. It also has a small number of seats for al fresco dining. Photo: JPI Media