Former Sunderland arcade given new lease of life

A prominent Sunderland city centre building has been brought back to life after years of standing vacant, with the former Masons Amusements arcade transformed into a mixed-use development.

The Holmeside property has been redeveloped by Lemon Property Investment into The Printworks, creating two ground floor commercial units and eight modern apartments above.

The scheme was supported by funding from FW Capital, with national property consultancy Bradley Hall providing an independent RICS Red Book valuation to support the funding process and help unlock the redevelopment.

The name The Printworks nods to the building’s former life as a printing workshop, where Sunderland AFC matchday programmes were once produced.

Once completed, it will deliver new commercial space alongside much-needed city centre housing, supporting Sunderland’s ongoing regeneration.

The refurbishment has involved a comprehensive overhaul of the building, including the installation of a new roof and windows, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, external rendering and a complete internal reconfiguration to create modern, energy-efficient accommodation.

The project is being led by local developer Darryl Cullerton and his team at Lemon Property Investment, which has built a strong track record of revitalising vacant and underused buildings across Wearside. 

The company has invested more than £10 million in the regeneration of over 100 units across the region in recent years, with The Four Corner Collective on Mary Street among its latest projects.

Darryl said: “The Printworks is another example of what can be achieved when local businesses invest in Sunderland’s future.

“We could see the potential in the building despite it sitting empty for a number of years, and we’ve worked hard to create a development that respects its history while delivering high-quality spaces for modern businesses and residents.

“It’s been a real team effort involving local contractors, consultants and funding partners, and we're delighted to welcome our first commercial tenant.

“We hope The Printworks will become a thriving destination that plays its part in the continued regeneration of the city centre.”

Adam Jones, investment executive at FW Capital, added: “We’re pleased to have supported Lemon Property Investment with funding for this redevelopment.

“Projects like The Printworks demonstrate the positive impact that investment can have in bringing vacant buildings back into use, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for city centre living.

“Working alongside experienced partners such as Bradley Hall gives lenders confidence through robust, independent property advice, helping projects like this move forward and deliver long-term benefits for the local economy.”

The Printworks has already welcomed its first commercial occupier, with luxury clinic Price & Co opening on the ground floor. 

The business brings together specialist practitioners offering aesthetic, skin, wellness and menopause treatments while also providing a collaborative space for independent professionals to grow their businesses.

Helen Wall MRICS, director at Newcastle-headquartered Bradley Hall, which now operates from 12 offices across the UK, added: “Although Bradley Hall has grown into a national property consultancy, our strength has always been our local knowledge.

“Our surveyors live and work in the communities they advise on, giving us an in-depth understanding of the markets that national lenders and investors rely upon when making funding decisions.

“We were delighted to support FW Capital by providing the independent RICS Red Book valuation for The Printworks.

“It’s great to see the scheme already attracting quality occupiers, demonstrating the confidence that exists in Sunderland’s commercial property market.

"It’s fantastic to see local businesses such as Lemon Property Investment continuing to invest in Sunderland.

“Their commitment to bringing underutilised buildings back into productive use is making a real contribution to the city’s ongoing regeneration, creating opportunities for businesses, attracting further investment and helping to strengthen the local economy.”

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