The Bridge Hotel Vaults, a Grade II listed building on Sunderland’s High Street West, has a storied past dating back to 1792. Once a vibrant pub and hotel that hosted historical figures such as Charles Dickens and Ulysses S. Grant, the building had spent the past 30 years as office space before falling into disuse. Now, thanks to a £250,000 renovation led by Arrow Commercial, this historic venue has been brought back to life.

The project was part of Sunderland’s wider regeneration efforts with a joint venture between the Directors of Vaux Brewery and Pop Recs taking on new long term leases to operate a new bar and restaurant, aiming to restore The Bridge Hotel Vaults as a cultural and social landmark in the city.

The Situation: A Landmark in Need of Revival

For over two centuries, the building now known as The Bridge Hotel has been a cornerstone of Sunderland’s cityscape. Originally built in 1797 as the home of Lord Lambton, it later became The Bridge Hotel and, more recently, office space. But after Sunderland City Council surrendered their lease in 2023, the property faced an uncertain future.

That’s where Philip and Valerie Gibbs, longstanding clients of Swinburne Maddison and lead trustees of Arrow Commercial, saw an opportunity. Their vision? To bring the Grade II-listed property back to life—transforming it into a vibrant hub for business, community, and hospitality while preserving its rich heritage.

They embarked on large refurbishment, but turning vision into reality wasn’t just about construction. Securing the right tenants, structuring leases in a commercially savvy way, and ensuring long-term financial viability were all critical challenges. That’s where we stepped in.

The Solution: Expert Legal Support for a Complex Regeneration

At Swinburne Maddison, we pride ourselves on delivering legal expertise that’s practical, commercial, and tailored to our clients’ ambitions. Diane Hall, an associate solicitor in our Commercial Property team, worked closely with the Gibbs to structure lease agreements that protected their investment while attracting the right mix of tenants.

Here’s how we made it happen:

1. A Local Charity Finds a New Home

The first floor was leased to More than Grandparents, a charity supporting kinship carers. We structured a five-year lease, including a rent deposit agreement and service charge provisions. Negotiations ensured a balanced break clause to offer flexibility for both parties.

2. A National Training Academy Expands into Sunderland

London-based Total Futures Ltd took office space on the second and third floors to create a North East training hub.

Their original lease covered only part of the space, so we carefully negotiated:

• A deed of surrender for Unit 2.
• A new lease for Unit 4, referencing the existing lease for consistency.
• A replacement rent deposit deed to align with the updated tenancy structure.

3. Securing a Landmark Deal for the Hospitality Sector

The biggest transformation was at ground level, where two key deals ensured The Bridge Hotel’s revival as a bustling hospitality venue:

• The Bridge Hotel Vaults Ltd, connected to Vaux Brewery, took a 20-year lease on the Front Bar and Cellar.
• MPC Sunderland Ltd, connected to the local Pop Recs music venue, secured a 20-year lease for the Rear Bar and Restaurant.

Given the investment required to refurbish the premises, we structured an innovative rent repayment model. Various security mechanisms were explored—including legal charges and guarantees—before finalising an agreement for lease that balanced risk and reward for both landlord and tenant.

As Diane Hall explains: “This was a fascinating project—not just because of the building’s history, but because of the unique lease structures required to make it commercially viable. By leveraging our legal expertise and long-term relationship with Arrow Commercial, we secured agreements that work for everyone involved.”

The Results: A Historic Building with a Bright Future

Fast forward to 2025, and The Bridge Hotel is thriving:

• Heritage preserved, business revitalised – What was once an underutilised office space is now a mixed-use landmark, creating jobs and boosting Sunderland’s economy.
• A carefully curated tenant mix – The building is home to a local charity, a national training provider, and two leading hospitality brands, ensuring long-term viability.
• Financial security for the landlord – Thanks to our legal structuring, Arrow Commercial has guaranteed rental income and a clear path to recouping their investment.
• A new cultural hotspot for Sunderland – The Bridge Hotel Vaults and MPC Sunderland are set to become key players in the city’s nightlife and arts scene.

What Arrow Commercial had to say…

“We are extremely pleased with how this project has taken shape. Diane and the Swinburne Maddison team have been exceptional—guiding us through every stage of the process, securing great tenants, and ensuring our investment was protected. We couldn’t have asked for better legal partners.”

Philip Gibbs, Arrow Commercial Ltd

What The Bridge Hotel Vaults had to say…

“The Bridge Hotel Vaults is an exciting addition to Sunderland’s hospitality scene. It’s a traditional, cosy pub in the city centre—offering something unique. Thanks to the careful work of the Swinburne Maddison team, we’ve been able to secure a long-term home in this incredible building.”

Steven Smith, Director of Vaux Brewery and The Bridge Hotel Vaults

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At Swinburne Maddison, we don’t just handle legal work—we build lasting partnerships that help businesses grow with confidence.

Whether you’re expanding your business, negotiating a complex lease, or planning for future growth, we’re here to make sure every step is handled with precision, care, and expertise.

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