Prime Highlights:

• The Metrocentre is transforming The Forum into The Crescent, a new area designed to showcase independent shops and create a welcoming, village-like shopping experience.
• The Crescent will link the Blue Mall and Green Mall, offering shoppers a relaxed, sociable space with up to 10 new retail units and a central coffee hub.

Key Facts:

• Refurbishment work is scheduled to start in early 2026, with units ready for occupation by the second quarter of the year.
• The announcement follows a £70 million refinance deal, reflecting strong confidence in the centre’s long-term growth and its role as a leading shopping and leisure destination in the North East.

Background:

Gateshead’s flagship shopping and leisure centre, the Metrocentre, has revealed ambitious plans to create a new retail and social space aimed at revitalising the visitor experience. The project will turn The Forum area into The Crescent, a new destination highlighting independent shops.

The Crescent will connect the Blue Mall and Green Mall, giving shoppers a relaxed, village-like shopping experience. Up to 10 newly refurbished retail units will feature alongside a central artisan coffee hub, encouraging visitors to browse, relax, and socialise in a welcoming atmosphere.

The design draws inspiration from traditional market towns, featuring Victorian-style fascias, hand-painted signage, natural tones, and greenery to give the impression of shopping in an outdoor village street.

Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, the Metrocentre’s asset managers, explained that The Crescent is part of their plan to refresh the mall, improve its design, and boost independent shops. He said the goal is to create a new area that appeals to shoppers and attracts a variety of retailers, offering visitors a chance to explore something different.

The investment follows a series of recent developments at the centre, including the introduction of Zara, Stradivarius, H Beauty, and a refurbished NHS Community Diagnostic Centre. Refurbishment of The Crescent is set to start in early 2026, with the new units expected to open by the second quarter. The news follows the Metrocentre’s recent £70 million refinance deal, showing confidence in the centre’s future growth and its position as a top shopping and leisure destination in the North East.