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.
Revitalising a Sunderland landmark 🙌
Hutchinsons Buildings, known locally as Mackie’s Corner, is a Grade II listed Victorian building at the heart of Sunderland’s historic high streets. Built in the 1850s and shaped by fire, rebuild and change, it remains a defining feature of the city’s commercial quarter.
Now part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone, the building was carefully repaired and safeguarded for future use through a heritage-led regeneration programme with Sunderland City Council and Historic England.
Our work focused on sensitive repair, retention of historic fabric and targeted interventions, from stonework and roof repairs to reinstated shopfronts and improved drainage, ensuring this landmark can once again play an active role in the city ✨
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 5
Along with Dominic Roberts, we lead a team of consultants to restore historic buildings in Burton-in-Kendal 🙌
The Partnership objectives were:
🔸 Restore and repurpose heritage buildings, boosting investment confidence and protecting the area’s environmental quality.
🔸 Enhance the public realm, improving floorscapes and visual character in The Square, the community’s central gathering space.
🔸 Promote heritage skills and community understanding, highlighting the benefits of building conservation, craftsmanship, and contextual design.
Working alongside Historic England, the team also developed a national housing exemplar, demonstrating how sensitive housing growth can regenerate rural villages and market towns while monitoring economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Through the Public Realm Improvement Plan, the project set a clear vision for The Square, combined stakeholder input into a cohesive scheme, incorporated community involvement via heritage training, and delivered works that truly reflect the local identity 👏
A great example of how design, heritage, and community can come together to sustain and enhance our built environment.
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Dec 28
We`re proud to act as Inspecting Architects for St. Helen’s Church, a Grade I listed gem recently added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register ⛪
Over two phases (2017–2019), we tackled critical masonry decay caused by inappropriate cement mortars and water. Works included:
👉 Re-roofing the chancel
👉 Stone repairs
👉 Mortar indents
👉 Friable stone stabilisation
👉 Traditional limewashing
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project also provided craft skills training, archaeological investigation and a new guidebook to celebrate and safeguard this historic site.
Swipe to see the before and after 👏
#HeritageConservation #Architecture #EnglishHeritage
Dec 22
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.
