Co-Operative Stores

The Co-operative Stores, built in 1908 for the Wear Valley Co-operative Society, is a notable example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. Constructed from sandstone ashlar and snecked sandstone with ashlar dressings, it features a Welsh slate roof adorned with red ridge tiles and terra-cotta finials. The building stands three storeys high and consists of two wide bays.

The entrance is recessed and framed by narrow pilasters at the center of each bay. Flanking shop windows are also framed by rusticated pilasters that support a continuous cornice. The first-floor shop lights, which have colored top panes, are similarly framed by pilasters that support an entablature with a dentilled cornice. The outer pilasters feature fan-moulded semi-circular pediments.

On the top floor, there is a central oriel supported by a bracket, inscribed with "LABOUR AND WAIT," flanked by sash windows beneath shaped gables. These gables include incised panels marked "AD" and "1908." The moulded gable copings rest on corniced blocks topped with ball finials. The half-hipped roof is finished with tall fleur-de-lys finials. This building is included in the register for its historic interest.