True North Construction has been appointed as the principal contractor for the next phase of restoration at the historic Sunderland building, 177 High Street West, within Sunderland’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
The appointment marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing regeneration programme, preserving historic properties and revitalising long-vacant parts of the city centre.
The building, among the last long-term vacant properties in the Old Sunderland Riverside Conservation Area, has a rich history. 177 High Street West, previously known as The Tyre Shop and now being restored as The Friends Meeting Place, was home to Sir William Chaytor & Co. private bank in 1829 and the Union Joint Stock Bank from 1836 to 1853.
Over the years, the building’s ground floor was used as a tyre salesroom while the upper floors fell into disrepair. The Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust took on the project in 2020, making the building watertight and reinstating ground-floor activity. During this time, the site also hosted the “Rebel Women of Sunderland” mural celebrating Ida and Louise Cook, local humanitarians who helped Jewish people escape Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
The Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) is delivering the project with support from DRC Consulting, Mosedale Gillatt Architects and Historic England. Work completed to date has restored key structural and external elements, ensuring the building is ready for the next phase of refurbishment.
True North Construction will now lead the restoration and refurbishment of The Friends Meeting Place. The works will create a ground-floor retail unit and welcome space for the first and second floor Quaker meeting rooms and offices.
The project also includes a full upgrade of building services, with the installation of ASHPs and PV panels to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. Excavation works will be carried out at the rear for new drainage connections and in the basement for a lift shaft.
All excavation and construction work will be carefully managed under current health and safety regulations, coordinated with existing services and supervised to protect the historic fabric of the building. The project is split in two, with the first section scheduled to be completed by 31 March 2026 and the second by 7 August 2026.
True North Construction is a leading UK contractor specialising in heritage, commercial and residential projects. The company is experienced in sensitive restoration, delivering high-quality construction while preserving the integrity and character of historic buildings. True North works closely with clients, local authorities and communities to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and to the highest standards.
David Roberts, director, 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 successful restoration of neighbouring 170-175 High Street West, now home to local businesses including Pop Recs and Sunshine Co-operative. Further works are underway to improve the city’s historic streetscape, including high-quality shopfront reinstatement, strengthening Sunderland’s position as a city that values its heritage and community.