Third occupier announced for Sunderland leisure development

A concept coffee shop, that fuses interior-inspiration with locally sourced food and drink has been announced as the third occupier of Sunderland's hotly anticipated Sheepfolds development.  

RESINN will open a multi-concept space in the converted stables at The Sheepfolds, teaming stunning homeware, gardenware and gifts, with freshly brewed tea and coffee, tasty treats, and a warm welcome. 

The brainchild of partners Erik Öhrström and Kate Blower, RESINN joins an exciting line-up of occupiers moving into the new leisure hub that is taking shape on Sunderland city centre's northern riverside, in the shadow of the Stadium of Light. 

The couple, who have built a strong social media following with their tasteful interior design skills - which have been put to use transforming their Victorian townhouse in Ashbrooke - will be taking a large unit in The Sheepfolds, complementing the bars, restaurants and eateries that will call the venue home when it opens next year.   

RESINN will not only serve up food and drinks, but will also feature a workshop space to host coffee brewing classes, floristry workshops and many more creative get-togethers, as well as selling pieces for the home and garden. It will have a Swedish and Victorian English influence. 

Kate said: "We are incredibly excited to be a part of the Sheepfolds development and are proud to play a part in Sunderland's transformation.

"The deep rooted history and heritage associated with the stables buildings will provide the perfect platform to deliver our concept to our local area. Fused with Swedish and Victorian English influences, RESINN will introduce a unique, interior-inspired venue to the North East."

RESINN is the latest occupier to confirm its place in the Grade II listed former stables, at Sheepfolds.  The riverside venue is currently being brought back to life by BDN, an architectural practice that recently renovated the Old Simpson Street School, as its own commercial development. 

Richard Marsden, managing director at BDN, said: "We are so pleased to welcome Kate and Erik to the Sheepfolds line-up.  Their unique sense of style, eye for detail and commitment to quality fits beautifully with the venue we're working to create, so RESINN will be the perfect partner for us." 

RESINN will take a large former stable building, one of a number of structures and outbuildings being restored by BDN.  There will also be some contemporary new additions to the space to create a unique open air leisure hub with a range of restaurants, eateries, and pubs and bars, as well as a large stage area that will play host to live music and performances. The venue announced Zinc as its first occupier.  It is a new restaurant from the team behind Route, a Michelin Guide restaurant in Newcastle, and will serve up seasonal plates and wines from a casual bistro space. TV chef Si King has also confirmed plans to move into the venue, serving up hearty dishes inspired by his travels around the world. The venue is expected to open by the end of 2023.   

Richard added: "We are assembling a collective of amazing experience-led operators for the venue, each with their own distinct offer but with a shared commitment to excellence. We want to raise the bar for Sunderland, because - as a business that's based here and with many members of the team, including me, coming from here - we think the city deserves the best." 

RESINN - which will create 10 jobs - has been supported with its plans by Sunderland City Council's business investment team.   

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "There is a level of confidence and ambition in Sunderland that is fuelling the city centre's regeneration. We are seeing more and more brilliant new businesses wanting to be part of Sunderland's transformation which is really exciting.   

"Sheepfolds is just one part of the city that is changing. From the city centre to the seafront, we are seeing new venues pop up - not only creating a better offer for our residents and visitors, but creating new jobs in the process. We're pleased to have supported the team at RESINN and look forward to seeing them open their doors when this magnificent new venue is completed." 

Planning permission was granted for the building's transformation in May, paving the way for the stables and surrounding courtyards to be transformed into a vibrant new destination, for food, drinks, events and entertainment. The venue will serve up a cornucopia of culinary styles, with eight individual operators within the site and large outdoor spaces for people to mix and mingle.   

The Sheepfolds area will be connected to the city centre by a new footbridge, providing a pedestrian and cyclist crossing, with the wider area being transformed as part of Sunderland City Council's Riverside Sunderland plan. The masterplan will see a number of large-scale developments progressing in the city centre, with the ambition of doubling the city centre's residential population and increasing employment by 50 per cent. To find out more, visit www.riversidesunderland.co.uk or for opportunities within the stables development at Sheepfolds, contact hello@bdnltd.com. 

To stay up to date with BDN's progress, as the building is transformed, visit @thesheepfolds on Instagram and Stables at Sheepfolds on LinkedIn. The transformation of Resinn's unit will also be captured on the business' Instagram page, @resinn_ and @resinn_thestore.