TV architect invests in Sunniside revival

One of Sunderland’s most famous faces is set to write a new chapter in the city’s cultural life.

TV architect George Clarke is planning to transform 176 High Street West in Sunniside into George Clarke’s Home of Books, a cultural bookshop, café and flexible event space. 

The development will also include a boutique apartment on the upper floors for George and his family, with short-stay rental opportunities when he is away. 

George, who describes the project as “one of passion; an investment of the heart more than anything else,” says the apartment will celebrate Sunderland’s industrial heritage, including shipbuilding, coal-mining and stained-glass work.

He said: “This project means a lot to me, both as an architect and as someone shaped by Sunderland.

“176 High Street West is a beautiful old building with a long history, and I feel really lucky to be part of its next chapter. 

“The aim is simple: to bring it back into use in a way that respects its heritage but also gives it a fresh role in the life of the city.

“At ground floor, we’re creating a space built around a bookshop, somewhere open, inviting and shaped by the things I care about: good design, great books, and bringing people together.

“The bookshop will focus on titles that reflect the spirit of Sunderland, architecture, art, photography, music, food, history and creativity.  

“A small café and wine bar will sit alongside it, offering a simple menu to support the space: coffee and light bites during the day, wine and cold plates in the evening. 

“We’re also planning to host events, readings, exhibitions and conversations, nothing too formal, just a place where culture feels easy to access.” 

George added: “Upstairs, we’re creating a single apartment with four bedrooms.  

“It’ll be a calm, well-designed space that can host visiting writers, artists, or others contributing to the city’s creative life.

“The whole project is being shaped with care. 

“We’re working with the building, not against it, keeping what’s special, repairing what’s damaged, and making thoughtful changes where they’re needed.

“Sunderland’s changing in brilliant ways, and I hope Home of Books can play a part in that, rooted in the city’s past, but open to new stories, new ideas and the people who bring them to life.”

The Grade II-listed building, which dates from the late 18th century and has been used as a residential, retail and office accommodation over the years, will undergo sensitive restoration, including shopfront refurbishment and sustainability improvements. 

And Washington-born George says the project, planned for 2026 to coincide with the National Year of Reading, not only draws on his lifelong love of books, sparked by discovering History of Architecture in his teens, but will also give him an opportunity to return home more regularly.

He added: After years of living in different parts of the UK and abroad this is very much a ‘homecoming’ story for me.  

“I want to spend more time in Sunderland, and to reestablish roots in the city that raised me, so when this beautiful Georgian building came up for sale, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass by – to breathe new life into an empty old building, and to spend more time back home.

The development will complement Sunniside’s growing creative quarter, alongside venues such as Pop Recs, Lambton House and Sunshine Cooperative. 

George Clarke’s Home of Books adds to a wave of positive investment in the area, including the £4 million transformation of the local Omniplex cinema, strengthening Sunniside’s reputation as Sunderland’s cultural heart.

George added: “Sunniside is a really special part of the city, with such a rich history that led to stunning proprieties like 176 High Street West being built. 

“To breathe new life into them and see them find a contemporary use that brings about benefits to the whole area is a real honour and I’m delighted to be working with Sunderland City Council to make this a reality.”

Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland Business Improvement District, added: “We’re seeing regeneration in our city centre on a scale unmatched for decades, and that is capturing the interest of more and more investors who can see the potential of the place and are willing to put their money and belief into the area.

“The momentum is building in Sunderland, the impact of which is that that thousands more people will be living working and spending time here, fuelling our economy and creating more jobs and opportunities for residents. 

“It’s a really exciting time and this latest announcement is great news.”

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s incredible to welcome George, who is one of the best-loved sons of the city, to Sunniside, and to see his plans – which have been under development for several months – come into the spotlight.

“Sunderland city centre is transforming and there is a growing sense that this is our time.  

“It really does feel like the ambition we have shown for Sunderland is bearing fruit and plans like this – one of the most respected and admired voices in the built environment coming home to invest in the city – shows that we’re getting it right.

“We’ve seen Si King invest in Sunderland, bringing a fantastic hospitality business to Sheepfolds Stables and now another famous face is doing the same. It’s fantastic.”

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