New Operators Sought for Historic Sunderland Church

The historic church of Holy Trinity in Sunderland recently underwent a regeneration project which saw it become a significant landmark on the cultural and historic map of the region. 

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) who care for the building, are now looking to the next stage of the project, and searching for long-term partner tenants who can help us to look after and safeguard this fantastic site well into the future.  The project, which was re-branded as Seventeen Nineteen, has recently delivered an impressive range of activities at the church with visitors and the local community.

CCT are interested in hearing from organisations who might like to become tenants, licensees, or partners to work from and/or help operate and deliver activities and events through the site at Seventeen Nineteen. All applications are welcome, but we are particularly interested in speaking to potential local partners who can help us meet specific criteria.  We would love to hear from organisations who have local knowledge and experience, are focused on the community and have experience of successfully working with specified target groups.  We welcome applications from organisations;

•            Who would like to operate from an iconic historic building. 

•            Who have a vision of what they can achieve through the site. 

•            Those who will work to help fulfil the longer-term vision of the CCT and our funders 

•            Who can work within the community and understand local needs/audiences. 

•            Who might support the delivery of a sustainable business model through the site which could include ticketed events, craft markets, performances, celebratory events (such as wedding receptions), heritage events, learning and engagement workshops with schools and the local community, heritage / cultural activities, and making Holy Trinity available as a corporate/commercial space for hire.

Seventeen Nineteen, formerly Holy Trinity – was Sunderland's first parish church – and it has been renovated and restored to preserve the shared heritage of the local community and play a part in Sunderland’s current cultural network.  With a large open plan main hall, it offers a variety of different flexible uses – from event or gallery space, a café, as well as offices.   The building provides over 6000 sq ft of usable space, newly refurbished, all in beautiful Grade I Listed surroundings. 

For more information, and an informal discussion around the various options and partnership opportunities, please get in touch with Guy Foreman, CCT Head of Enterprise - [email protected] – 07823 341 544.

Expressions of Interest should be sent electronically by email to [email protected]  - closing date for EOI’s is by 28th June 2024.

For more information and apply online: 

Holy Trinity Sunderland Expression of Interest Form

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