A Sunderland native, Dave Stewart is set to be the new Creative Director at The Canny Space, an exciting new cultural venue rising from the ashes of the former Holy Trinity Church in the East End of the city. 

Built in 1719 near the area’s busy docks, Holy Trinity was once at the heart of Sunderland. More than just a parish church, the building housed the city’s first public library, civic rooms, Magistrates' Court and even the local fire engine. It was used and loved by countless people but gradually the city centre shifted and Holy Trinity fell out of use.

[quote=Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics]"Working with The Churches Conservation Trust is fantastic; their work to care for... these historic churches means a whole new generation gets to experience their beauty..."[/quote]

The Churches Conservation Trust is leading its revival and £2.8million of National Lottery funding is helping the Trust save and transform this important piece of local Sunderland heritage into an exciting new cultural centre.  It is hoped that the project will not only regenerate the building but spark a renaissance in the surrounding local area, one of the UK’s most economically deprived.

15-year cultural strategy for Sunderland 

The new project is part of a 15-year cultural strategy set out by The Sunderland Cultural Partnership. It will provide a space for local people to meet, collaborate, create and develop life-changing skills. There will be an on-going programme of community events and professional performances and visitors to the site will also be able to see and hear stories of Sunderland’s past. 

Dave said: "Working with The Churches Conservation Trust is fantastic; their work to care for and conserve these historic churches means a whole new generation gets to experience their beauty through heritage, music and collaboration."

Work will start on-site in April 2019 and the new centre will be due to open in June 2020.

Watch Dave talking about The Canny Space on YouTube, or follow the hashtag: #TheCannySpace.