Historic Sunniside building set for revival

A historic Sunderland building is being brought back into use as part of wider regeneration plans.

Work is progressing on the restoration of the former Tyre Shop on High Street West, with contractor True North now well underway on the Sunniside project.

Once complete, the early 19th-century building will become The Friends Meeting Place – a multi-use community hub featuring retail units, workspace and flexible events facilities managed by the Sunderland Quakers.

The project is being led by the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust with support from Historic England, which has committed more than £923,000 towards the scheme, alongside investment from the Quakers.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work finally get underway on the redevelopment of the Grade-II listed former Tyre Shop.

“Over recent years we’ve seen new life breathed into historic buildings such as the former Binns department store, the Elephant Tea Rooms and Mackie’s Corner and this will further build on that, by restoring another city centre building to its former grandeur.”

The restoration forms part of Sunderland’s wider Heritage Action Zone programme, which aims to revive historic buildings across the city centre.

Plans include restoring original architectural features such as traditional shopfronts and timber sash windows while bringing the site back into active use.

The Quakers will return to Sunniside for the first time in more than 100 years after securing a long leasehold interest in the building.

Matt Moore, from Sunderland Quakers, added: “Refurbishing this building and becoming part of the wonderful community of Sunniside has been a real joy.

“We formerly had a Meeting House on Nile Street and moving to High Street West is a homecoming for us. 

“When we sold our last meeting House in Roker, we wanted to move to the centre of Sunderland and play a positive part in its regeneration. 

“We feel we are achieving that and can't wait to develop this further when the building work is finished."

The scheme sits alongside wider regeneration activity in the area, including the Sunniside Leisure complex, the 75-home Nile + Villiers Street development and George Clarke’s planned bookshop project, as investment continues to reshape the district.

Peter added: “The excitement around the regeneration of Sunniside is palatable. 

“People from across the region are starting to see what’s happening and it’s leading to more investment in this area than ever before.

“From George Clarke’s new bookshop to Sunniside Social, there’s a real buzz returning to this part of the city and it’s showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. 

“Long may it continue.”

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