The Rabbit Bar and Bistro situated on Sunderland's High Street West is set for a rejuvenating makeover, as the Grade II listed-building is the latest in the city centre to see major works.
The building that the venue is seated inside dates back to the early 19th century, and is one of many historic venues along the street to receive grant assistance since 2018.
The aim is to hopefully restore historic features throughout the premises itself, as well as to create an appealing and exciting feel for the area on the whole.
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£129,000 has been awarded for the 'extensive' repairs and maintenance to the property itself in the form of a grant, with funding also being provided by the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme which is supported both by Sunderland City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Theatre Leisure Ltd, who own the Rabbit itself will use said grant to reinstate a traditional looking shopfront, as well as endeavouring to replace the dated windows on the first floor. Repairs will also be made to the masonry roof and chimneys alike. MGM Ltd, Hastie Burton Joinery and Ainsworth Spark Associates Architects will all begin their initial work today (21 March) - and the project itself is expected to be fully complete towards the back-end of May.
The Council was awarded £1.9m in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2018 to be put towards the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Scheme - and when combined with contributions from business owners and tenants alike, the city centre will see approximately £3m invested within the Minster Quarter itself through the duration of the scheme over five years.
Cabinet Member for Dynamic City at Sunderland City Council, Cllr Kevin Johnston, said: "The Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme is transforming the look and feel of some of Sunderland's most historic and iconic locations.
"I am delighted to see this latest grant go towards retaining and enhancing another important piece of the city's history."
The Peacock, Dun cow, Sunderland Minster and the Gibson Almshouses have already seen grant-aided restoration in recent years, with Minster Park seeing a complete rejuvenation in 2020. For the efforts made, it was subsequently shortlisted as a finalist for a Landscape Institute Award in November last year.
The Victoria Buildings on Low Row (including Streetbar and Victoria's Loft) which are also managed by Theatre Leisure Ltd are also expected to see further projects through 2022-23 - with projects planned within the time frame.
Director of Theatre Leisure, Lee Robson, said: "We have two buildings which are the gateway to the new Minister quarter development, and we are excited to take part in the regeneration project.
"We have had excellent feedback from our customers, and we would like to thank the national lottery heritage fund and Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage scheme for considering local independent businesses such as ourselves."
Head of Investment England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ivor Crowther, added: "Money raised by National Lottery players has achieved an incredible amount for Sunderland's heritage, with more than £36m invested into projects including the Fire Station, Hylton Castle and Holy Trinity Church.
"We're delighted that Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme is one of those projects.
"This scheme is all about investing and helping to conserve and improve one of Sunderland's most-loved and distinctive areas."
These ongoing works at The Rabbit are part of the widespread plan of city-wide public and private sector investment projects which have been planned across Sunderland - including some £500m being invested within the city centre itself.
Past projects relating to the scheme which have since been completed include the brand-new City Hall on the former Vaux site which was opened just last week, as well as the newly-opened auditorium holding 450 seats at The Fire Station.
Further plans have also been lodged for a new Culture House adjoining the historic Keel Square, near to the new Holiday Inn hotel which is rapidly nearing completion itself.
