Wearside favourite back in business

It’s great to see a city favourite bouncing back into business just as the council sets the wheels in motion for life after lockdown.

As we reveal today, not only is the historic Mackie’s Corner ready to open its doors to the public after a major restoration project, but council bosses have been reviewing services, venues and facilities in preparation for their staged reopening.

The Mackie’s Corner development harks back to the days when the shopping destination was in its pomp. The £350,000 project has seen essential repairs to the outside of the building including stonework, windows, new shop fronts, as well as the dome housing Mackie’s famous clock.

And that clock will be ticking down to the time, in the not too distant future, when the lockdown restrictions are lifted. The council has today set out its plan for re-openings during the first two steps of the Government's road to recovery plan. Both these developments point to a positive step forward as the public gears itself towards returning to as near normal a life as possible.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson said: "Re-use of historic buildings are significant steps forward in helping to revive the high street. Mackie’s will again play a prominent role and with new businesses opening this is a promising vote of confidence for our city centre. We have investors and businesses who want to operate in our city and it’s important that when we have the opportunity we support them.”

We trust we’re now turning the corner towards a brighter future.