Designers find the Place for business
The award-winning venue, which offers offices, gallery space, artist’s studios, meeting rooms and a cafe, already boasts a diverse range of businesses including a college department, photography and film companies, an architects firm and a project management consultancy. It is also hosting a series of innovative exhibitions and events.
Jamie Curle runs C&C with business partner Ray Clarke. The business has been going from strength to strength since it was set up in South Tyneside in 2007.
Jamie, said: “A lot of our customers were from Sunderland and as the business started to grow we decided we needed to relocate.
“Business Link has given us a great deal of help and support and when they showed us thePlace we knew straight away that it would be perfect for us. We loved the architecture and the fact that it was in a trendy, up and coming regeneration area right at the heart of the city centre.
“There’s a really exciting mix of people and businesses here and there seems to be a real buzz about the area now.”
Cllr Paul Watson, chairman of Sunniside Partnership and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great to see such a creative range of businesses setting up home in this fantastic building. We very much welcome C&C to Sunderland and wish them every success here.”
Neil Sowerby, of Business Link, said: “We are working closely with Sunniside Partnership to help businesses in the area and are delighted to have helped C&C find these ideal premises.
“We can offer advice and support to all types of businesses and it is encouraging for us to see companies like C&C really start to thrive as a result.”
Located in part of Sunderland city centre that is home to over 160 listed buildings, thePlace comprises a new build complex and six refurbished grade II listed buildings. The rich history and character of Sunniside is commemorated in glass louvres installed on the outside of the building, which were designed by local artist Kathryn Hodgkinson.
The building sits adjacent to the stunning Sunniside Gardens, which have picked up a string of accolades since opening in March last year.
Spearheading the Sunniside regeneration is Sunniside Partnership, supported by Sunderland Council, Sunderland arc, Homes and Communities Agency and One North East.
