Work complete on Sunderland's Elephant Tea Rooms, with businesses invited to move in

Work is finally complete on work to restore the Sunderland's much-loved Elephant Tea Rooms building.

The Grade II-listed landmark has been undergoing repair and improvement work to restore its distinctive decoration and features, including the famous elephants.

New shop fronts have also transformed its appearance from ground level.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, said: “The completion of the restoration of Elephant Tea Rooms marks a significant milestone in our efforts to preserve and enhance Sunderland’s rich heritage.

“I am delighted to see this iconic building respectfully restored to its former glory, and I believe it will be a source of pride in our city for years to come.”

Jules Brown, historic places advisor at Historic England, said: “Adorned with stone elephants and gargoyles, the Tea Rooms is one of Sunderland’s most distinctive and best-loved landmarks.

"I’m really pleased that Historic England has been able to support Sunderland City Council’s restoration of this wonderful building, which I hope – together with the recently revitalised Mackie’s Corner – will bring new economic opportunities to this part of the city centre.”

Elephant Tea Rooms has been part of Sunderland’s history since the 1870s, when it was designed by the renowned Sunderland architect Frank Caws and built for tea merchant Ronald Grimshaw, who used it as a grocer’s shop and tea warehouse for Grimshaw & Son.

The building was built in what is known as 'Hindu Gothic'. In latter years, it was home to the now-closed Royal Bank of Scotland.

Regeneration works – designed by Mosedale Gillatt Architects Ltd and delivered by specialist local contractors NCS Ltd and stone masons Mason and Forster – includes a striking new shopfront with intricate brickwork and vaulted corner turret feature, restored terracotta ornamental elephants and gargoyles using traditional craft skills, and a new timber shop front and windows.

The project was Supported with more than £700,000 funding from Sunderland City Council, Historic England and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) through the Future High Street Fund and Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme.

The team behind the project say it has given new life to the building while respecting its 'historic character and charm'.

They are now hoping it will offer businesses a chance to base themselves in the city centre, providing 'a distinctive setting suitable for the likes of retail, hospitality, or cultural uses'.

Sunderland City Council is due to market the building soon to entrepreneurs and businesses.

Peter added: “We are excited to see this incredible building open its doors to new occupiers, further enhancing our city centre alongside other successful restoration projects at Mackie’s Corner and at 170-175 High Street West.”

For businesses interested in leasing opportunities within the Elephant Tea Rooms, email Aidan Baker from BNP Paribas Real Estate at [email protected] or Kevin McGorie from Sanderson Weatherall at [email protected]