Sunderland Freemasons masonic lodge keeps heritage skills alive

An historic Sunderland building used by the Freemasons is providing a new generation with opportunities to learn heritage craft skills.

Phoenix Hall is one of only two Grade I listed buildings in the city, and the oldest surviving purpose-built masonic lodge still in use by the Freemasons in England.

The major repairs of the building, which is owned by Queen Street Heritage Trust, have been made possible by £180k of funding from Historic England as part of Sunderland’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative.

Alongside the building repair project, a Heritage Skills Programme - funded by Sunderland City Council and Historic England - is offering opportunities for people to learn more about the building and its history.

Working with local training provider Resources (NE) Ltd, and with the support of Darlington-based contractor Stone Technical Services, young people from Sunderland aged between 18 and 21 who are studying Level 1 extended construction courses are currently participating in multi-trade placements on site, where they have the chance to develop skills in joinery and stone masonry specific to the conservation of historic buildings like Phoenix Hall.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Phoenix Hall has been a constant in the city’s landscape for more than two centuries, which is why it’s important to preserve its heritage.

“I’m delighted to see repair works underway - the latest in a line of fantastic projects as part of the HAZ – and young people getting involved in this unique opportunity, to learn new skills that will ensure we keep the heritage alive in Sunderland for years to come.”

Maria Carballeira, partnership team architect of Historic England North East, commented: “We are delighted to help fund repairs to Phoenix Hall, which is such an important part of Sunderland’s past and has a key role to play in its future.

“The Heritage Skills Programme will open up new opportunities for trainees and allow local people to find out more about the city’s heritage, while trying their hand at craft traditional craft skills.”

Richard Pavlou, managing director at Stone Technical Services Group, added: “We feel so passionately about helping to protect the rich history we have here in the UK through the work we carry out on buildings and monuments all across the country, and we love what we do. And it means even more to us when we are doing it right here in the North East with the help of local people.”

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