The owners of the Metrocentre has unveiled plans to invest £6m into one of its malls which will create space for new restaurants.
The Metrocentre Partnership has submitted plans to redevelop the Green Mall entrance, which will create a number of new units to boosting the exterior, revitalising one of the main gateways into the leisure and shopping destination. The plans include the creation of more than 18,000 sqft of space in outward-facing restaurant venues, which the centre bosses say will add greater variety to the centre’s day-to-night offer, as well as creating the opportunity to spend time outside during good weather.
The new space for dining and drinking will be adjacent to department store Marks & Spencer, and bosses say they are already in talks with a number of high profile leisure operators who could open up at the Metrocentre. A CGI has been issued, showing how it could look with enhanced landscaping, green walls and planter pockets.
Read more: mayoral authority advertises for key economic jobs
Go here for more North East business news
The new public space follows recent sustainability-focused investment into the Green Mall car park, where 50 EV charging points have been installed.
Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: “Redefining the entrance to Green Mall is a natural next step in Metrocentre’s evolution following major investment across other malls over the last four years. This project would enhance Metrocentre’s day-to-night economy with a new take on our F&B (food and beverage) offering, and create a much-improved sense of arrival at Green Mall. We are in early discussions with some top quality operators and look forward to updating further in due course.
“Metrocentre continues to evolve, with projects such as the Community Diagnostic Centre enhancing the visitor profile at Metrocentre, and the Green Mall redevelopment the latest proposed investment to continue to push forward the destination. Our commitment to improving the visitor experience, while making Metrocentre a greener and more sustainable place, is the inspiration behind these latest proposals, and we look forward to discussing further with the planning authority.”
Most Read
Martin Healy, chairman of Metrocentre, said: “Investing in the redevelopment of the Green Mall entrance is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to drive the revitalisation of Metrocentre. This £6m investment will not only elevate the visitor experience with its high-quality restaurant offerings and landscaped design, but also support long-term growth and prosperity in the region. By creating new, sustainable spaces at the centre, we are laying the foundation for continued success, attracting both businesses and consumers to the North East.”
The investment comes as beauty retailer Kiko Milano announces plans to open a new store at the centre this Autumn. Its new shop will be in the centre’s Lower Red Mall, and is set to be the firm’s largest store in the North East, selling makeup, skincare, suncare, and haircare products, alongside personalised beauty consultation services. Mango, the international fashion retailer, will open a unit later this year in Lower Red Mall and Sephora is set to open in early September,
Mr Cox added: “KIKO Milano’s arrival on Red Mall is another great addition to the varied beauty offer at Metrocentre. With Sephora also less than a month away from opening, it is an exciting time for the beauty conscious shopper, due to our real breadth of choice. This letting underscores Metrocentre’s commitment to expanding and diversifying the category, and enhancing the overall experience.”