True North Construction has been appointed as principal contractor for the next phase of restoration works at 177 High Street West in Sunderland, as part of the city’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) regeneration programme.
The project will see the refurbishment of the historic property within the Old Sunderland Riverside Conservation Area, one of the final long-term vacant buildings in the area. The development forms part of wider efforts to restore historic structures and bring underused city centre buildings back into active use.
Originally home to Sir William Chaytor & Co. private bank in 1829 and later the Union Joint Stock Bank between 1836 and 1853, the building has served a variety of uses over time. In recent decades, the ground floor operated as a tyre salesroom while the upper floors fell into disrepair.
Heritage Building to Undergo Major Refurbishment
The Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust acquired the site in 2020 and carried out initial works to make the building watertight and reinstate activity on the ground floor.
True North Construction will now lead the next stage of restoration and refurbishment works, creating a new ground-floor retail unit alongside meeting rooms and office space on the first and second floors.
The project team includes DRC Consulting, Mosedale Gillatt Architects and Historic England, with the works delivered by the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust.
Construction Works to Include Structural and Energy Upgrades
The construction phase will involve upgrades to the building’s services and infrastructure, including the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and photovoltaic (PV) panels to improve energy performance.
Excavation works will also be undertaken to install new drainage connections at the rear of the property and to construct a lift shaft within the basement.
All construction and excavation activity will be managed under current health and safety regulations, with works coordinated around existing utilities and carried out with measures to protect the building’s historic fabric.
The project is being delivered in two phases, with the first stage scheduled for completion by 31 March 2026 and the second by 7 August 2026.
Contractor Highlights Heritage Construction Expertise
David Roberts, Director at True North Construction, said: “Our appointment as principal contractor is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to Sunderland’s Heritage Action Zone. The building is an important part of the city’s heritage and it is incredibly rewarding to be involved in preserving its character while giving it a new lease of life.
“True North Construction has extensive experience in sensitive restoration projects and this scheme perfectly aligns with our commitment to high-quality, heritage-led construction. Working closely with the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust, Sunderland City Council and the wider community, we will help ensure this building is revitalised in a way that celebrates its history, supports local businesses and brings more activity and vibrancy to this part of the city centre.”
The project builds on the restoration of neighbouring properties at 170–175 High Street West, which are now home to local businesses including Pop Recs and Sunshine Co-operative. Further improvements to historic shopfronts and streetscape features are also planned as part of Sunderland’s ongoing city centre regeneration programme.
