Milestone reached at Mackie's Corner

A significant milestone has been reached at Sunderland's historic Mackie's Corner, after two independent businesses snapped up the last remaining spaces. 

Ashbrooke Home, a sister company of Ashbrooke Florist, has occupied the corner unit of the building. The store will offer a range of home and lifestyle products as well as coffee and cocktails and opened its doors on 14 March. 

The final addition to the ground floor is Crave, further enhancing the food offering at the site with lunchtime favourites on the menu including sandwiches and salads though a deli-style set up. The store opened its doors on 17 March.

The Grade II-listed hub now boasts 28 tenants, employing over 200 people and offering a variety of services including retail, hospitality, beauty, as well as offering flexible workspace environments for creatives and professionals.

Alex Kirtley, director at Kirtley. Co, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Ashbrooke Home and Crave to Mackie's Corner, and to announce that all spaces are now occupied.

"Since the renovated building opened its doors in 2021, we have seen 28 businesses invest in the city centre, providing a real lift to the high street and the wider city economy.

"It's yet another fantastic milestone for the historic building, which is once again at the heart of the city's business district, just like it was when it was built by the Hutchinson family back in the 1845.

"As a family business which is deep-rooted in the city, we couldn't be prouder of the impact the development has had and the pivotal role it is playing in the city's transformation now and long into the future."

Plans are now being set in motion for its basement space to become a photography studio for local creatives, as well as an event space.

Alex added: "We're now set to work on the final phase of Mackie's Corner, which will see us transform the basement into a shared space to foster collaboration, community and visibility, enhancing the city's cultural and creative offerings."

The Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council supported Crave and Ashbrooke Home on their moves and have supported several other businesses which have relocated to the building by providing information, advice and guidance.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration, said: "It's brilliant to see this important milestone reached at Mackie's Corner, a space that is playing a key role in our plans to revive the city's high street.

"Over recent years, tens of millions of pounds have been spent on preserving and redeveloping some of our city's most cherished, historic buildings and Mackie's Corner is one of the finest examples of this.

"The Kirtley family have done a remarkable job to not only redevelop the building and preserve its rich heritage, but to ensure it continues to act as a hub of commerce for generations to come. It is a real asset for the city."