Send Love to Sunderland

The Churches Conservation Trust has launched an urgent crowdfunding campaign to save an important piece of Sunderland’s heritage. The charity needs to raise £20,000 by the end of March to unlock a further £2.8m of additional backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

When Holy Trinity church was built in the thriving docklands 300 years ago, it was at the heart of its community, and housed the public library, civic rooms and even the local fire pump. But over time, the city centre shifted, and today the Grade I listed church stands empty and is at risk of collapse. The CCT wants to transform the building into ‘The Canny Space’ – a cultural and community venue that will provide much-needed facilities, jobs, professional training and educational activities for local residents.

Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, who was born in Sunderland, has thrown his support behind the project as its Creative Director, and the CCT is working in partnership with many local organisations including the MAC Trust, Cultural Spring and Sunderland MIND.

The Send Love to Sunderland crowdfunder is the final push in a major effort to save this priceless piece of old Sunderland. Support the campaign here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-canny-space.