A former amusement arcade in Sunderland city centre is being given a new lease of life through as major redevelopment project, supported by national property consultancy, Bradley Hall.
The prominent Holmeside building, formerly home to Masons Amusements, has stood vacant for several years before being acquired by Lemon Property Investment with funding support from FW Capital. The extensive renovation is transforming the property into a mixed-use development comprising two ground floor commercial units and eight modern residential apartments across the upper floors.
Bradley Hall’s Sunderland office, led by Director Helen Wall, provided an independent RICS Red Book valuation of the property on behalf of FW Capital, supporting the funding process that enabled the redevelopment to move forward.
Helen Wall MRICS, Director at Bradley Hall, said: “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.”
Renamed The Printworks, the development pays tribute to the building’s history as a printing workshop, where Sunderland AFC matchday programmes were one produced. Once complete, the scheme will provide high-quality commercial space alongside much-needed city centre housing, contributing to the continued regeneration of Sunderland.
The redevelopment has involved a complete transformation of the building, including the installation of a new roof and windows, full electrical and plumbing upgrades, external rendering and a comprehensive internal reconfiguration to create modern, energy-efficient accommodation.
The project has been led by local developer Darryl Cullerton and his team at Lemon Property Investment, who have established a strong reputation for bringing vacant and underused buildings back into productive use across Wearside. Working closely with local contractors, consultants and businesses, Darryl has invested more than £10million into the redevelopment of over 100 units across the region in recent years, including his most recent scheme, The Four Corner Collective on Mary Street.
Darryl Cullerton, Managing Director at Lemon Property Investment, 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.”
The first commercial tenant has already taken occupation at The Printworks, with Price & Co, a luxury clinic, bringing together expert practitioners to deliver aesthetic, skin, wellness and menopause treatments all while supporting independent practitioners to grow their businesses.
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.”
Bradley Hall operates from 12 offices across the UK and employs more than 40 RICS Valuers and Surveyors, providing RICS Red Book valuations for lenders, investors and developers across commercial lending and investment, alongside specialist valuation advice for private clients, including probate, matrimonial and remortgage purposes.
Founded in 1988, the firm has expanded significantly over the past five years and now employs almost 100 members of staff, delivering professional property services from Scotland to Bristol.
For further information on Bradley Hall, visit https://www.bradleyhall.co.uk/
