When we think of big bustling shopping centres, we think of the two Westfields in London, or Battersea Power Station, maybe even St James’ Quarter. But there’s another big contender.
The Metrocentre in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, is actually the UKs second largest retail hub, with more than 270 stores and 60 eateries.
It’s a dreamland I spent countless hours in in my youth, frequenting the Odeon to watch the 2005 Herbie film, or indulging in a girls day out with my mum, nan, and auntie as we trawled the large Zara.
When it first-opened back in 1986, it enjoyed a brief stint as Europe’s largest shopping centre, and now, as it approaches its 40-year anniversary, the northern hotspot has announced a £6 million expansion which is currently underway.
This money will fund a hub for independent retailers called The Crescent, enhancing the connection between two of the five malls in the centre – Blue and Green.
It will be a ‘warm, welcoming space with a village-like feel’, allowing shoppers to discover 10 unique brands, new to the establishment.
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‘The design takes inspiration from picturesque market towns, creating a calm, beautifully detailed space for guests to shop, meet for coffee and enjoy a different pace within Metrocentre,’ a spokesperson for the mall says.
What’s new to the Metrocentre?
Store fronts will look like traditional Victorian-inspired fascias with stall risers, panel doors and hand-painted signage.
Previously independent retailers had been in The Forum, although The Crescent is billed as a new and improved area for small businesses.
It will be a welcome upgrade for the 15.8 million annual visitors, who spend more than two hours on average perusing the endless array of shops.
The 10,000sqft space will also be home to an artisan coffee hub, which the centre says is perfect for catchups or remote working, away from the main rush.
There will also be ‘treated landlord columns to create the appearance of trees connecting into the mall ceiling, with greenery and natural tones being introduced to create a calm setting and the impression of an external village street’.
Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, says: ‘We know our visitors love discovering something new, and The Crescent is designed to offer exactly that — a space filled with character, independent brands and a welcoming feel.’
The works are expected to be completed in a few months, with an opening date to be determined.
As well as this refurbishment, the Metrocentre is also adding some new big-name stores to its line-up.
A 16,000sqft Bershka is set to open in the Red Mall alongside the existing Stradivarius and Zara, while Hollister will also open in that area of the centre.
Popular Danish brand Søstrene Grene, which has taken the UK high street by storm, is a relatively new addition to the shopping centre, too.
‘It’s everything you want’
I’m not the only one singing the Metrocentre’s praises though, with countless visitors taking to google to share their love for it.
‘My family love the Metrocentre!’ said Susan Hodgson. ‘The amount of shops it boggles the mind.’
Beloved UK shopping centre that’s ’showing its age’ is getting major revamp
Brent Cross was opened in 1976 by the then-Prince Charles, and it was the first out-of-town shopping centre concept not just in London, but in the UK.
Now, a revamp is just around the corner, ready to restore Brent Cross to its former glory. We all know that it’s been a little bit lacklustre for a while, not least because of how it looks when you’re passing on the interchange. Brown and, well, slightly depressing.
The new plans will create space for up to 150 new shops (part of 2 million square feet of retail space), 50 restaurants, a cinema complex, and a hotel, all of which are set to be finalised in spring 2026.
The shopping centre isn’t the only thing that’s being refreshed in the area. It’s all part of the wider vision for Brent Cross Town, which, being a collaboration between Argent Related and Barnet Council, includes a new train station at Brent Cross West, as well as 167 new homes through L&Q.
‘Love this place, everything you want,’ agreed Rita Wilkinson.
Still one of the best shopping destinations in the UK,’ said another. ‘Huge range of shops, from high-street names to designer outlets, and loads of restaurants and cafes to relax in. Parking is easy and free, and the mall’s layout makes it easy to navigate. Always clean, well-lit, and family-friendly.’
Another shopper Craig said it best: ‘There’s everything you need under one roof.’
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