Mackie’s Corner in Sunderland reaches full capacity

This is after Ashbrooke Home and Crave moved into the last available spaces.

Ashbrooke Home, a sister company of Ashbrooke Florist, opened on March 14 and sells home and lifestyle products plus coffee and cocktails.

Crave has moved into one of the available spaces (Image: Supplied) Crave opened on March 17 and boosts the site’s food offering with a deli-style setup serving lunch favourites, including sandwiches and salads.

The Grade II-listed hub, which opened in 2021 after a renovation, now provides employment for more than 200 people and offers retail, hospitality, beauty, and flexible workspaces.

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.

Home and lifestyle products are available at Ashbrooke Home (Image: Supplied) “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 the basement space to become a photography studio for local creatives, as well as an event space.

Crave serves lunch favourites (Image: Supplied) 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.

Councillor 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.

“It is a real asset for the city.”