Fires of history burning bright
ECHO FEATURED AMONG OLD FIRE STATION TIME CAPSULE ITEMS
A copy of the Sunderland Echo, a signed SAFC shirt and tracks from some of the city’s musicians are among the time capsule items being buried in the foundations of Wearside’s new cultural venue.Attending the burying of the capsule at the Old Fire Station, off High Street West, were singer-songwriters Marty Longstaff and Beccy Young, representing the future of the site as it’s turned into a multi-purpose venue, while outgoing Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling represented its proud past.
The building, which had stood derelict for more than 20 years, is being redeveloped as a £3.6million arts and culture centre, with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Due to reopen in the autumn, the 110-year-old building is being revamped into a restaurant, cafe, heritage centre and dance and drama studios.
Marty and Beccy are hoping to perform or lead workshops at the venue, while Tom worked at the Fire Station during his 29 years as a firefighter.
Sunderland-born Tom, who retires from his role at the end of this month, said: “It was a busy, happy station right at the heart of the city centre. It’s great to see the building has such a bright future.”
Helen Green, director of the Fire Station, added: “The time capsule links the Fire Station’s past, present and future.”
“The MAC Quarter will transform Sunderland’s city centre and we’re excited about what an important addition the building will be.”
The Fire Station development is the second stage of Sunderland Music Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust’s transformation of the area.