Kirtley Co., owners and landlords of the historic Mackie’s Corner in Sunderland has announced its latest exciting tenant.

Kirtley Co., which has recently renovated two of the three upper floors of the building into workspaces, has welcomed beauty company Skullen Commune.

In an expansion of their current locations, Skullen have opted to take up space at Mackie’s Corner in the heart of Sunderland’s rapidly developing city centre.

Once Sunderland’s iconic hat shop, Mackie’s Corner is now home to businesses including cafes, men’s outfitters, delis and florists. It is a recognisable symbol in Sunderland’s centre and is often used a meeting spot for visitors shopping or eating in the city.

Skullen Commune is currently based on Newcastle’s Quayside, and this expansion will see them travel to Wearside to provide nail art, an aesthetics clinic, piercings, workshops and tarot readings to customers from Sunderland and beyond.

Opening in the city centre location from July, Skullen Commune will incorporate their ethos of inclusivity and diversity into their newest salon.

Nicole Gutierrez-Lock, founder of Skullen Commune, explained the company’s origins: “Starting out in 2003 as a single desk operation in our spare room in Heaton, Newcastle, Skullen is now about so much more than just nail art. From our Quayside studio we pierce, tattoo and apply tooth gems. We offer aesthetics, read tarot and retail our own range of gel supplies. We train, nurture and incubate the next generation of nail artists.

“Before anything else we’re a safe space for women. We believe we play an essential role in helping women reclaim their right to safety and security & to live their lives as they see fit. We empower & are empowered by our clients regardless of age or gender.

“We support young women, working women & young mothers & we have been proud to bring together such an incredibly diverse client base from across the North East.”

Working with local colleges, Skullen has helped to shape nail art education programmes and ensure they are fit for the ever-changing market.

Delivering in-house workshops to the next generation of nail talent is a focal point of Skullen’s business and they hope to establish similar links with education providers in Sunderland.

Nicole commented: “We are very keen to play an active role in the local community & ensure that Skullen becomes a positive development within the city.

“There are a number of established independent nail artists working in Newcastle who learned their craft at Skullen and we are determined to bring the same to Sunderland. Offering people opportunities to establish their own business with our guidance and support is a big part of our philosophy and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve with the people of Sunderland.”

Kirtley Co. is led by sisters Alex and Toni Kirtley, who resonated with Skullen’s mission and brand identity.

Alex Kirtley, managing director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome such an inclusive and positive company to Mackie’s Corner.

“Sunderland is a vibrant city and we are proud to deliver workspaces that are accessible and welcoming for everyone.”

Speaking on their decision to expand to Sunderland, Nicole said: “For some time Skullen has been keen to expand within the North East with our neighbouring city of Sunderland being the obvious next step but the right property was never available until we found the incredible new development of Mackie’s Corner.

“The opportunity to be a part of a significant regeneration of such a beautiful historic building was one that we didn’t want to pass up. Since the Vaux site has been unlocked the city has taken a huge leap forward and we have enjoyed witnessing from afar the improvements to Roker and Seaburn, the renewal of Sunniside and Sheepfolds and the stunning plans taking shape along the banks of the Wear. The timing of this new development couldn’t be better and as an organisation we are thrilled to be involved in the ongoing renaissance of the city and wider area.

“Our confidence in the development at Mackie’s Corner has been significantly bolstered by the team at Kirtley Co. who have been incredibly accommodating and supportive throughout the process.

“Alex in particular deserves special praise for her commitment to the project & it is clear that this isn’t a simple development but an investment in the city and its inhabitants which is really encouraging and a big reason for our decision to work with Kirtley Co.”

The upper floor workspaces at the historic Mackie’s Corner have been renovated to a high standard and are now available to lease.

Alex said: “We are delighted to welcome Skullen Commune to The Collective- 17 individually designed workspaces based in the upper levels of Mackie’s Corner.

“To be attracting established businesses like this from Newcastle shows just how much Sunderland is changing. There is nothing like Skullen Commune in the city and we can’t wait to see the partnerships unfold & help upskill young nail artists from July.

“Sunderland City Councils’ Business Investment team are very proactive in attracting new businesses and we are pleased to offer the spaces in such an iconic building in Sunderland’s history.”

With spaces from 90sqft to 6000sqft available to rent, contact [email protected] for more information.