# Metrocentre > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Metrocentre > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Metrocentre.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrocentre > Source revision: 1357150552 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Shopping centre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear}} {{Other uses|Metro Center (disambiguation){{!}}Metro Center}} {{Use British English|date=April 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{infobox shopping mall | name = Metrocentre | image = Metro Centre Green Quadrant.jpg | caption = The Green Quadrant of Metrocentre | logo = MetroCentreLogo.svg | location = [Gateshead](/source/Gateshead), Tyne and Wear, England | opening_date = {{Start date and age|1986|10|14|df=yes}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110202001143/http://www.northeastengland.org/news/metro-centre Metrocentre History] | previous_names = intu Metrocentre | developer = Cameron Hall Developments | number_of_stores = 273 | number_of_anchors = {{Collapsible list | titlestyle = font-weight:normal; background:transparent; text-align:left; | title = 8 | | '''[Marks & Spencer](/source/Marks_%26_Spencer)''' | '''[Primark](/source/Primark)''' | '''[Flannels](/source/Flannels), [Sports Direct](/source/Sports_Direct), [Everlast Gyms](/source/Everlast_Gyms) (one unit)''' | '''[TK Maxx / Homesense](/source/TK_Maxx)''' | '''[Odeon](/source/Odeon_Cinemas), [Namco Funscape Metro](/source/Bandai_Namco_Entertainment)''' | '''[NEXT](/source/Next_(clothing_retailer))''' | '''[JD Sports](/source/JD_Sports)''' | '''[H Beauty](/source/Harrods)'''}} | parking = almost 10,000 [spaces](/source/parking_space) | publictransit = {{ubl|Metrocentre Interchange {{rint|gb|bus}}|{{stnlnk|MetroCentre}} {{rint|gb|rail}}}} | coordinates = {{coord|54.9569|-1.6689|region:GB-GAT_type:landmark|display=it}} | floor_area = {{convert|2076000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media/5836/intu_ar2018.pdf|title=intu Annual Report 2018|date=2018 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420122531/https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media/5836/intu_ar2018.pdf |archive-date=2019-04-20 |access-date=2019-04-19}} | floors = 2 | website = {{url|https://themetrocentre.co.uk}} }} '''Metrocentre''' (previously styled as '''MetroCentre''') is a [shopping centre](/source/shopping_centre) and entertainment complex in the [Dunston](/source/Dunston%2C_Tyne_and_Wear) area of [Gateshead](/source/Gateshead). It is located on the former site of [Dunston Power Station](/source/Dunston_Power_Station), near to the [River Tyne](/source/River_Tyne). Metrocentre opened in stages, with the first phase opening on 28 April 1986, and the official opening being held on 14 October that year. It has 210 shops, 63 restaurants, an Odeon cinema, a Clip n’ Climb, a bowling alley, a Namco Funscape, The Escapologist and Treetop Golf, occupying over {{convert|2000000|sqft|abbr=on}} of retail floor space, making it [one of the largest shopping centres in the UK](/source/List_of_shopping_centres_in_the_United_Kingdom_by_size). Additional retail space can be found in the adjoining Metro Retail Park and MetrOasis. ==History== thumb|right|The logo used from 2004 to 2009; the stylised "M" is based on the previous grey-coloured symbol used from 1987 Metrocentre's construction was financed by the [Church Commissioners of England](/source/Church_Commissioners), and was masterminded by [Sir John Hall](/source/John_Hall_(English_businessman))'s company, Cameron Hall Developments. The ground upon which it is built was purchased for £100,000 in the early 1970s.{{cite news|title=How Gateshead's Metrocentre was made - and why it was built on a 'great big clarty field'|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/how-gatesheads-metrocentre-made-built-12096359|date=29 October 2016|author=Barbara Hodgson|newspaper=[Newcastle Chronicle](/source/Newcastle_Chronicle)}} Access to the development was facilitated by an urban development grant from the [Department of the Environment](/source/Secretary_of_State_for_the_Environment%2C_Transport_and_the_Regions), and the [Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead](/source/Metropolitan_Borough_of_Gateshead).{{cite book|author=Paul Freathy|title=The Retailing Book: Principles and Applications|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-e9r_mmrf3UC&pg=PA110|year=2003|publisher=Prentice Hall Financial Times|isbn=978-0-273-65548-0|page=110}} In early 1984, the [Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead](/source/Metropolitan_Borough_of_Gateshead) helped to host an exhibition at a local hotel to draw attention to the proposed scheme. To the surprise of all involved, over 1,000 visitors, including the top retailers in the UK, [Marks & Spencer](/source/Marks_%26_Spencer), [Burton](/source/Burton_(retailer)), [Boots](/source/Boots_(company)), [Sears](/source/Sears_plc), [BHS](/source/British_Home_Stores), [House of Fraser](/source/House_of_Fraser) and [Littlewoods](/source/Littlewoods) came to the North East to view the exhibition and express their interest in the development. Suddenly, the Metrocentre became “flavour of the month” in retailing. The first phase of the development, the Red Mall, was opened in April 1986. At the time, it featured a large [Carrefour](/source/Carrefour) supermarket, which later became a [Gateway](/source/Somerfield), and subsequently [Asda](/source/Asda). Metrocentre also featured the first out-of-town branch of [Marks & Spencer](/source/Marks_%26_Spencer).{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/metrocentre-30-three-decades-retail-11126906|title=The Metrocentre at 30: Three decades of retail therapy in the heart of Tyneside|newspaper=[Newcastle Chronicle](/source/Newcastle_Chronicle)|date=3 April 2016|author=David Morton}} The Green Mall opened as part of Phase 2 on 14 October, with the Blue and Yellow Malls following in Phase 3 in 1987. A [UCI cinema](/source/UCI_Cinemas) also opened in Phase 3.{{cite web|title= Intu Metrocentre, Gateshead Europe's Largest Shopping & Leisure Centre|url=//www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Upload/PageAttachments/page1981/files/MetroCentre%20Student%20Imformation%20Pack%20%20-%20February%202013.pdf|website=intu Metrocentre|date=28 December 2024|author=intu Metrocentre}} In August 1987 the [MetroCentre railway station](/source/MetroCentre_railway_station), which is connected to the centre via a covered footbridge, was opened by [British Rail](/source/British_Rail).{{cite web|url=http://abcrailwayguide.uk/mce-metrocentre-railway-station/facts-and-figures#.XvZ__R7TX3A|title=MetroCentre Railway Station|work=abcrailwayguide.uk|access-date=27 June 2020}} 1988 saw Metroland and the Yellow Mall open to the public. A Roman Forum-themed area also opened, and by 1989, a Mediterranean Village-themed area, a [GX Superbowl](/source/Granada_plc) bowling alley, a 350 bay Coach Park and the entire mall opened. === 1990s–2000s === By 1990, Phase 4 and the A1 Western Bypass opened, and by 1991, the Western Bypass 3rd lane opened inbound from the A1 South. With 1992 rolling in, the north perimeter link to A1 North and West opened, and in 1994, a new road called Handy Drive opened. In October 1995, the centre was sold to Transatlantic Insurance (later [Intu Properties](/source/Intu_Properties)) for £364 million, although the Church Commissioners retained a 10% stake. In 1997, [Asda](/source/Asda) moved from Metrocentre to a larger stand-alone store nearby, facilitating the redevelopment of the Red Mall, with the former Asda store being demolished in 2002, with the new [Debenhams](/source/Debenhams) department store open by October 2004. The refurbishment programme at the time also included the construction of a new Transport Interchange, sited at the edge of the Blue Mall, replacing the former bus station. In November 2006, centre owner Capital Shopping Centres announced plans to redevelop the centre's Yellow Mall.{{cite press release |title=Public Consultation for Yellow and Blue Mall Proposals |publisher=[Capital Shopping Centres](/source/Intu_Properties) |date=2006-11-29 |url=http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/shoppingcentres/metrocentre/pdf/press_releases/yellow_and_blue.pdf |access-date=2006-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024164211/http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/shoppingcentres/metrocentre/pdf/press_releases/yellow_and_blue.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2007}} The Metroland indoor funfair closed in April 2008, and the area, along with the neighbouring Clockworks Food Court, has since been refurbished to become Metrocentre Qube. Until August 2007, when it was purchased for £82.5 million, the adjacent retail park was not under the same ownership as the shopping centre.[http://www.metrocentre.uk.com/pages/news/details.mhtml?id=77 Purchase of Metro Retail Park], Metrocentre, 23 August 2007 {{Dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 2008, plans were announced for the £35 million redevelopment to the Yellow Mall into a new dining and leisure area. With this, The New Metroland and Megabowl were closed for the accommodation for the new scheme, and by May 2009, the Qube opened, with restaurants like Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s, Yo! Sushi, The Red House and PizzaExpress. With that, the first three specially commissioned art projects were installed in the Upper Qube. The first one to be installed was “This and That” by Colin Rose. It is an impressive sculpture made up of two giant steel cones. The second art project was installed in the Lower Qube. The small piece, named “Outside In” by local artist Stephen Newby is made up of four blown stainless steel cubes. In November 2009, a Namco Funscape amusement centre opened in the Lower Qube, with 18 ten-pin bowling lanes, the fastest Dodgem Track in Europe, a children’s soft play area and more. With that, it caused [Odeon](/source/Odeon_Cinemas) to move from the Lower Blue Mall to the Upper Qube in December 2009. === 2010s–2020s === Autumn 2010 saw a mixed [TK Maxx](/source/TK_Maxx) and Homesense store open on the site of the former cinema in the Lower Blue Mall. In November 2011, construction started on the new MetrOasis, on the site of a former Esso garage. In 2012, the Central Mall was redeveloped as the Platinum Mall, which focuses on higher-end stores and designer outlets. Initial stores in the Platinum Mall included [Mamas & Papas](/source/Mamas_%26_Papas), [H&M](/source/H%26M) Kids and [Tessuti](/source/Tessuti). The centre was rebranded as intu Metrocentre in 2013, following the renaming of its parent Capital Shopping Centres Group as [Intu Properties](/source/Intu_Properties).{{cite news|last1=Soult|first1=Graham|url=http://www.soultsretailview.co.uk/2013/07/11/gatesheads-metrocentre-prepares-for-overnight-intu-fication/|title=Gateshead's Metrocentre prepares for overnight Intu-fication|date=11 July 2013|work=Soult's Retail Report|access-date=9 November 2018}} With that, the old federation brewery site was demolished in 2013. In March 2018, a 78,000 sq ft [Next](/source/Next_plc) store opened, taking twelve shops on the upper floor, and the former [BHS](/source/British_Home_Stores) unit on the lower level, to create one of the largest Next stores in the country.{{Cite news |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/bhs-store-metrocentre-snapped-up-11987510 |title=BHS store in Metrocentre is snapped up by Next, creating new jobs |last=Ford |first=Coreena |work=[Newcastle Chronicle](/source/Newcastle_Chronicle) |access-date=2016-12-17}}{{cite news |last1=Duke |first1=Simon |title=Next opens huge new flagship store at the Metrocentre |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/new-next-store-intu-metrocentre-14374264 |access-date=9 November 2018 |work=[Newcastle Chronicle](/source/Newcastle_Chronicle) |date=6 March 2018}} Next further expanded their presence in the centre in 2020 by opening a Beauty & Home store in the former [Debenhams](/source/Debenhams) anchor unit.{{cite web |last1=Whitfield |first1=Graeme |title=Next to take over former Debenhams in Metrocentre with move into beauty market |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/next-take-over-former-debenhams-18823388 |website=ChronicleLive |access-date=14 April 2021 |language=en |date=25 August 2020}} On 26 October 2020, it was announced that Sovereign Centros was to oversee asset management of the centre on behalf of owners Metrocentre Partnership, following the collapse of Intu.{{Cite web|last=Ford|first=Coreena|date=2020-10-26|title=Metrocentre passes to new management after collapse of owners Intu|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/metrocentre-passes-new-management-after-19156907|access-date=2020-10-26|website=Business Live|language=en}} The shopping centre was again rebranded, as The Metrocentre, with [Savills](/source/Savills) as on-site property managers. Owners, the Metrocentre Partnership{{cite web |last1=Deacon |first1=Harry |title=Intu offloads Gateshead Metrocentre to new owner |url=https://www.retailsector.co.uk/358081-intu-offloads-gateshead-metrocentre-to-new-owner/ |website=Retail Sector |access-date=14 April 2021 |date=27 October 2020}} includes [Church Commissioners](/source/Church_Commissioners) and [GIC Real Estate](/source/Government_of_Singapore_Investment_Corporation). ==Malls and retailers== thumb|right|The Red Mall extension thumb|right|Interior of Red Mall extension in 2007 Metrocentre has five malls: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and Platinum. Many large retail chains are represented in the centre. It is anchored by a number of large stores and [department store](/source/department_store)s: *[Marks & Spencer](/source/Marks_%26_Spencer) (Green Mall) *[Next](/source/Next_plc) (Green Mall) *H Beauty (Town Square) (Formerly [House of Fraser](/source/House_of_Fraser)) *[Primark](/source/Primark) (Exhibition Square) *[TK Maxx](/source/TK_Maxx) (Blue Mall) *[Sports Direct](/source/Sports_Direct) (Red Mall) (Formerly [Debenhams](/source/Debenhams)) *[JD Sports](/source/JD_Sports) Major fashion retailers include: [All Saints](/source/AllSaints), [H&M](/source/H%26M), [New Look](/source/New_Look_(company)), [Next](/source/Next_(clothing)), [Primark](/source/Primark), [River Island](/source/River_Island) and [Zara](/source/Zara_(clothing)). Other major retailers include: [Boots](/source/Boots_(company)), [Hotel Chocolat](/source/Hotel_Chocolat), [Poundland](/source/Poundland), [TGJones](/source/TGJones), [Ann Summers](/source/Ann_Summers), [Lush](/source/Lush_(company)), [Waterstones](/source/Waterstones), [Lego](/source/Lego), and [Apple](/source/Apple_Inc.). ==Leisure facilities== thumb|right|The New Metroland, previously Europe's largest indoor amusement park The centre's leisure facilities, which are mainly located in the Qube / Yellow Mall, consist of an [Odeon](/source/Odeon_Cinemas) cinema and [Namco](/source/Namco) Funscape, Clip & Climb, Treetop Golf and Escapologist Escape Rooms. The Odeon, a 12 screen cinema, opened in 2010. It features a VIP lounge, as well as multiple 3D screens, and an [IMAX Digital](/source/IMAX) – the first in the north-east of England. Namco Funscape is located on the lower floor, and is a family entertainment centre including an 18-lane [ten-pin bowling](/source/ten-pin_bowling) alley, [dodgem ride](/source/dodgems) and soft play. Treetop Golf, which opened in upper Qube in late 2023, features two 18 hole mini golf courses. Clip & Climb in lower Qube is home to 26 climbing walls and a 10m drop slide. It replaced the old Angry Birds Adventure Golf space when it closed on 19 February 2023. In November 2023 [Everlast Gyms](/source/Everlast_Gyms) opened the UK's largest hybrid gym on what was the top floor of the former Debenhams department store. The 40,000 sq ft gym includes a full size boxing ring, spin studio, yoga room, saunas and ice baths. The Qube's exterior is clad with zinc and glass, to distinguish it as the entertainment part of the centre.{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/state-of-the-art-imax-cinema-metrocentre-odeon-1457632 |title=State-of-the-art IMAX cinema for MetroCentre Odeon |publisher=Chronicle Live |date=2009-07-23 |access-date=2013-09-10}} Qube is also home to a number of restaurants, including [Bella Italia](/source/Bella_Italia), [Nando's](/source/Nando's), [Pizza Express](/source/PizzaExpress), [YO! Sushi](/source/YO!_Sushi) and [Zizzi](/source/Zizzi). ===Metroland=== The centre also featured an entirely enclosed theme park called Metroland. Renamed ''The New Metroland'' following refurbishment works by operators [Arlington Leisure](/source/Arlington_Leisure) in 1996, it was Europe's largest indoor [amusement park](/source/amusement_park) until its closure in 2008. Metroland opened in February 1988 at the cost of £20 million. The park's main rides included a [rollercoaster](/source/roller_coaster), [Ferris wheel](/source/Ferris_wheel), [pirate ship](/source/pirate_ship_(ride)), [waltzer](/source/waltzer)s, a [miniature railway](/source/ridable_miniature_railway) and [dodgem cars](/source/bumper_cars). On the final weekend before its closure (19–20 April 2008), the park held the 'Last Ride Weekend', where the admission price was £5 for the whole day, with unlimited access to all the rides. The park finally closed at 8:00 pm on 20 April 2008, despite strong local opposition, and petitions raising around 4,000 signatures. Proceeds from the last night of operation went to charity. After the closure, many of the park's rides were either scrapped or sold off, with the rollercoaster being relocated to The Big Sheep, a farm and theme park complex in Devon, where it reopened in March 2016.{{Cite web |title=New MetroLand - Coasterpedia - The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki |url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/New_MetroLand |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=coasterpedia.net |language=en-GB}} The park offered a free ride to visitors from the North-East of England for a period after the rollercoaster's reopening.{{Cite news |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/metroland-ride-gets-rolling-again-8612419 |title=Metroland ride gets rolling again - and North East fans can enjoy a free ride|last=Hodgson |first=Barbara |work=[Newcastle Chronicle](/source/Newcastle_Chronicle) |access-date=2019-03-18}} {{Cite news |url=https://www.themeparks-uk.com/item/633-devons-biggest-coaster-at-the-big-sheep |title=Devon's Biggest Coaster at The Big Sheep |work=ThemeParks-UK |access-date=2019-03-18}} ==Metro Retail Park== Metro Retail Park occupies over 183,000 sq ft of space and is home to 15 brands, the majority of which are home and lifestyle brands. Situated to the west of Metrocentre it has the layout of a conventional out-of-town retail park, with large stores such as [Barker and Stonehouse](/source/Barker_and_Stonehouse), [Oak Furniture Land](/source/Oak_Furniture_Land) and [Furniture Village](/source/Furniture_Village). The former Toys R Us unit was demolished in November 2022 to make way for a £5m redevelopment to bring in three new units, occupying over 25,000 sq ft of space. Work also included the introduction of 6 rapid EV charging units and increased cycle bay provision.{{cite web | url=https://themetrocentre.co.uk/stores/category/shopping/metro-retail-park#storesList | title=Metro Retail Park }}{{cite web | url=https://themetrocentre.co.uk/news/metro-retail-park | title=Metro Retail Park }} ==metrOasis== The metrOasis retail area, on the perimeter of the shopping centre, opened to the public in September 2012. It is located between Qube and the Metro Retail Park, on the site of a former petrol station. The development is home to a range of dining and entertainment venues, with construction beginning in January 2012. The retail area includes drive-thru [Krispy Kreme Doughnuts](/source/Krispy_Kreme) and [Starbucks](/source/Starbucks), as well as a [Toby Carvery](/source/Toby_Carvery) and [Burger King](/source/Burger_King). == Transport == Metrocentre has a large bus station and a [railway station](/source/MetroCentre_railway_station), which are connected to the centre via a covered footbridge. The centre's car parking facilities have approximately 10,000 spaces.{{cite web |last1=Jeffery |first1=Sarah |title=Metrocentre Gateshead: An insider's guide to the UK's largest shopping centre |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/metrocentre-gateshead-shopping-centre-guide-8653684 |website=ChronicleLive |access-date=14 April 2021 |language=en |date=23 November 2016}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category|MetroCentre Gateshead}} *{{official website}} {{Intu Properties}} {{Shopping centres in Northeast England}} Category:Shopping centres in Tyne and Wear Category:Buildings and structures in Gateshead Metroland Metroland Category:Shopping malls established in 1986 Category:1986 establishments in England Category:Amusement parks opened in 1986 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Metrocentre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrocentre) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrocentre?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.