Hutchinsons Buildings, which incorporates the locally affectionately called Mackie’s Corner, is a grade II listed Victorian commercial building located at the corner of Bridge Street and High Street West at the heart of Sunderland’s commercial district. It is within the ‘Historic High Streets’ Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) in Sunderland, close to the River Wear. Historically within County Durham, the building now comes under the jurisdiction of Sunderland City Council (SCC). Both SCC and Historic England realise the importance of the building within the commercial quarter of the city and are providing financial assistance to the owner to undertake urgent repairs as part of a Partnership Scheme to revitalise the building as an inspirational seed for the commercial quarter.
The Hutchinsons buildings were built (1850-53) as an impressive four-storey building that housed 8 no. shops at ground level with associated dwellings above. The building was high status with a distinctive curved corner, double height Corinthian columns rising up from above the shop front, culminating in an impressive domed roof. The High Street West elevation designed as a palace-front facade also with double height Corinthian columns.
After a fire (1898) devastated the High Street West section in 1898 it was immediately rebuilt. Its style symmetrical but distinct from the earlier building, using the Tuscan order and a Neo-Jacobean interior.
As it currently stands the building has 20th century interventions that have re-structured its internal plan on some of the upper floors. The building became vacant and quickly deteriorated finally succumbing to water ingress and structural dilapidation in the early 21st century.
Our commission included a full condition survey of all rooms, roof spaces, roofs, elevations and all elements, to enable us to establish the base-line condition and prioritise works in urgency within 5 years. From this, an urgent works package was drawn up. Our proposals allow for the provision of a durable arrangement of high quality sound detailing that robustly deal with rainwater disposal, include sensitive repair and retention of existing historic fabric and appropriate alteration to its layout to enable the building to be revitalised, ensuring a safeguarding of the building for future use. This include repairs to stonework, refurbishment of original windows, replacement of modern windows, reinstatement of historic shop fronts, repair of damaged roof structure and improvement of surface water drainage. It also includes internal alterations, structural repairs and remodelling to facilitate future use.
DISCIPLINES COVERED IN COMMISSION:
• Site evaluation and historic building condition survey,
• Production and review of Design & Access Statement incorporating Heritage Impact Statement, in collaboration with SCC Conservation Office and Historic England,
• Coordination of professional sub-consultants,
• Options appraisal for suitable future uses,
• Preparation of Planning and LBC documentation,
• Production of technical details for conservative repairs and sensitive alterations appropriate for listed buildings for tender.
Nestled in the Howgill Fells, the traditional barns at Thwaite Farm were deteriorating - until grant funding brought us onboard to help turn things around 🌾
Preserving their historic character was just as important to us as making them structurally sound. And while heritage conservation was the primary goal, the family needed them to remain practical, working farm buildings.
Watching these historic structures transform from vulnerable to secure was an emotional experience for the family - and we are so proud to have played a part in saving them for future generations.
This project is featured in our latest piece in Issue 52 of Conservation & Heritage magazine, alongside a look at how the approach used at Thwaite is now being applied across 21 further barns in Cumbria ✨
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation
Sep 7
Preserving a piece of Cumbrian history at Levens Hall 🏰
Sitting just outside the Lake District National Park, Levens Hall is famous for its Grade I listed parkland and the world’s oldest topiary garden. Welcoming over 30,000 visitors a year, this historic Elizabethan home requires thoughtful, traditional care to keep it looking its best.
So what repairs did we make? 🛠️
👉 Stripping away harmful cement render and replacing it with traditional lime mortar and limewash so the building can breathe.
👉 Re-roofing the hipped slate roofs and replacing lead details.
👉 Restoring parapet stonework and internal plaster.
Specialist conservation work like this ensures the Hall remains a safe, vibrant landmark for the public and the Bagot family for years to come.
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation #LakeDistrict
Sep 2
We are proud to see our work featured in the latest edition of Conservation & Heritage magazine (Issue 52) 📖
Traditional barns are a fundamental part of the Lake District’s agricultural identity and World Heritage status. We are helping safeguard 21 agricultural buildings across the National Park through a major conservation initiative backed by the Lake District National Park Authority.
Preserving these structures not only protects our cultural landscape but also keeps traditional building crafts alive for future generations.
Read the full feature in Conservation & Heritage magazine (pages 70–73) ✨
#ConservationArchitecture #Heritage #LakeDistrict
Aug 31
Plummer House, a historically significant listed building, is undergoing condition assessments and careful repairs. Conservation consultancy ensures that interventions align with its heritage status while maintaining its architectural integrity. By combining technical expertise with a deep respect for historic buildings, we ensure necessary interventions preserve the structure while supporting its ongoing use.
Crosby Granger Architects is honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire. Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
We have been appointed architects for Muncaster Castle, and conducted a series of ongoing conservation work to protect this Grade I listed historic site. Our research, condition surveys, and restoration efforts ensure the longevity of this architectural treasure. This project highlights our expertise in heritage stewardship, maintaining the castle’s legacy while enhancing its visitor experience.
