Kirtley Co., the owner and landlords of iconic Sunderland based building Mackie’s Corner, has announced that its highly anticipated new commercial space is nearing completion.
The family-owned and Sunderland based property experts have renovated the upper floors of the building to create commercial workspaces to let. The upper floors are set to be ideal for SME businesses looking for a vibrant city centre location, with workspaces ranging from 90sq ft to 5900sq ft.
The brand-new flexible workspace on the upper floors will offer 24 hour secure access, lift access, high-speed internet, period features, stunning décor and breakout spaces within a highly recognisable city centre space.
Alex Kirtley, managing director, said: “We are looking for creative independent businesses who will bring a different experience to Sunderland, including businesses which offer dry décor, wellness studios, bridal-wear, media agencies and design just to name a few.
“Our priority is to support the region’s economy by being more than just a landlord and providing a supporting role to dozens of businesses which all create jobs for the people who live in our communities.”
Mackie’s Corner has long been a recognisable location in Sunderland’s city centre and is cementing itself further as a place to shop, work, drink, dine and pamper.
Since purchasing the property in 2017, Kirtley Co. has been dedicated to ensuring that Mackie’s Corner is a high-quality destination and workspace, creating an iconic business hub which had previously been left derelict since the early 2000s.
The regeneration began with the transformation of the lower floors in 2021. Businesses such as menswear specialists Master Debonair, delicatessen Fat Unicorn, women’s fashion company Bou-chique and salon The Black Door Hairdressing all call Mackie’s Corner home. Café 1851 and bakery The Sweet Petite round off the businesses making use of the lower floor spaces.
Amanda Martin, owner of delicatessen Fat Unicorn Kitchen & Stores, started her business in the midst of COVID as her and her partner, originally from Washington, returned to the UK from Switzerland and fell in love with their unit at Mackie’s Corner.
With a deli that specialises in artisan cheese and a focus on British and European charcuterie, wines and beers, there is plenty on offer in their shop and kitchen.
Amanda said: “Our location is brilliant. We are right in the middle of the regeneration and investment in Sunderland while also being inside a business hub surrounded by other successful independent operators. We see a lot of footfall from surrounding businesses which is only set to grow thanks to the new businesses which Sunderland is attracting.
“When I first saw the building it was still under renovation, which can be difficult when you’re trying to imagine what a space will look like at the end. Alex was really passionate and helped to create an image of what our space could look like. She delivered on all of her ideas and promises and it’s been such an exciting journey for us. We’re looking forward to what else we can achieve at Mackie’s Corner.
“We’re really looking forward to meeting the new businesses which will be occupying the workspaces upstairs. We couldn’t recommend Mackie’s Corner and Kirtley Co. enough.”
Sunderland is undergoing significant change. As businesses, infrastructure and the skyline itself adapts to the modern needs of the city, one building remains a constant.
Mackie’s Corner is one of the flagship projects involved in the ongoing transformation of Sunderland and Kirtley Co. has invested in the redevelopment of the building to ensure its status retention as an iconic building in the heart of the city.
Dating back from the 1840s, Ralph Hutchinson built the Hutchinson’s Buildings as a destination for some of Sunderland’s first fashion shops. As a space in the heart of Sunderland for over 180 years, locals are very familiar with the building.
The site later became known as Mackie’s Corner due to hat-maker Robert Mackie’s shop. His staff could be seen inside making the latest designs of the era, and passers-by would often stop to watch. It became a popular meeting place from which to go shopping into town, as its prime location on High Street West made for a recognisable spot to meet up with friends.
As a modern business space that has retained its heritage, Mackie’s Corner joins an increasing list of new or regenerated buildings that are improving Sunderland as a place to live, work and shop.
Nearby, Keel Tavern- owned by the team behind Barluga- and The Botanist will provide two destination venues near the new Holiday Inn at Keel Square, just a short walk from Mackie’s Corner.
Spaces such as the Sunderland Fire Station are also proving popular and have increased visitors through their cultural and artistic events, as well as through their restaurant. While offices such as The Beam and Maker & Faber are also adding to Sunderland’s skyline and will house larger organisations.
Further sites such as City Hall and Sheepfolds are only yards away from Mackie’s Corner, which has found itself in a prime location alongside the regeneration of Sunderland’s Riverside area. Collectively, the regeneration of the city, wider investment in its infrastructure and built environment and subsequent new tenants will create a strong central and vibrant hub of business.
As Sunderland’s economy continues to grow exponentially, and national companies choose Sunderland as bases for their businesses, Kirtley Co.’s Mackie’s Corner is in an ideal location surrounded by new and improved offices, homes and leisure spaces. As their upper floors become available for tenants, there is no better time to visit the iconic Sunderland building and see what is has to offer.
For more information on the workspaces at Mackie’s Corner, please visit https://kirtleyco.uk/
