16. Cessnock Co-operative Society

The first is the corner where Lowes now stands. This building housed, until the late 70’s the Cessnock Co-operative Society. This society was started in 1907 with a membership of 34 and initial share capital of 123 pounds. By 1920 it had 1433 members, a turnover of 180,000 pounds and over 80 employees. In 1957, it was reported to have 172 employees and a turnover of well over 830,000 pounds per annum.

Cessnock Co-operative taken in 1919

17. Northumberland Hotel