George Clarke, the North East architect and TV personality, has confirmed that work has started on his newest project, a Georgian restoration in his home city of Sunderland. The Sunderland native has hosted numerous renovation shows, including Amazing Spaces and Old House, New Home, and now aims to apply that vision to a historic building in his hometown.
He posted an image of the empty floor of the building with the caption: "Here we go! My ambitious plan to turn a beautiful, historic building into my new home AND my very own independent bookshop (with wine) in Sunderland has begun!" He added, "It's a major building conversion with months of hard work ahead, but I've never been so excited about a project in my life! I'm coming home!"
Work Underway and Team Praise
Two days later, he expressed further excitement, saying, "I want to thank everyone who is working so hard on my dream Georgian Restoration project in my home city of Sunderland. Work has started and I couldn't be more proud of the team we've put together to make it happen… particularly @bg_construction_developments who are leading the charge." He noted, "It's an ambitious build and you'll see the results of everyone's hard graft in 2027!"
This milestone follows the earlier planning permission that hinted at what to expect. In a foreword submitted as part of the planning application, Clarke explained his personal connection: "This project means a lot to me, both as an architect and as someone shaped by Sunderland. 176 High Street West is a beautiful old building with a long history, and I feel really lucky to be part of its next chapter. The aim is simple: to bring it back into use in a way that respects its heritage but also gives it a fresh role in the life of the city."
Bookshop, Café, and Events
The ground floor will be built around a bookshop, described as "somewhere open, inviting, and shaped by the things I care about: good design, great books, and bringing people together." The bookshop will focus on titles reflecting Sunderland's spirit, including architecture, art, photography, music, food, history, and creativity. A small café and wine bar will sit alongside, offering coffee and light bites during the day, and wine and cold plates in the evening. Plans also include hosting events, readings, exhibitions, and conversations—"nothing too formal, just a place where culture feels easy to access."
The upstairs apartment will serve as Clarke's home when he is not away filming, but when he is away, it will function as "a calm, well-designed space that can host visiting writers, artists, or others contributing to the city's creative life." His passion for his hometown has been evident, as he added, "I want to spend more time in Sunderland, and to re-establish roots in the city that raised me."
