The new director of Eldon Square says new stores and future openings are helping to put the centre on the map as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary next year
The pandemic led to a raft of closures within Eldon Square, as well as high street and shopping centres across the Ƶ and beyond, triggered by months of lockdown closures and then the cost-of-living crisis. Big name losses in the centre included Top Shop, Paperchase, Monki, Flying Tiger, and Morphe.
But new openings in recent months have included Sephora, Oliver Bonas, Sostrene Greene and Jewells, as well as the significant relocation of Next to its new home in the former Debenhams department store. Now, with more openings set to take place over the coming months, centre director Helen Cowie says recent signings demonstrate Eldon’s Square’s ambition to become a world leading destination.
Ms Cowie, who took on the role six months ago, says good progress is now being made on the rooftop of the old Debenhams store, which is being transformed into Freight Island, an ‘indoor Coney Island’ with food and drink firms, entertainment, activities and music.
Ms Cowie said: “We’ve had some transformative leasing moments and some real momentum around major brands and leisure players coming to Eldon Square. Next is really anchoring St Andrew’s Way and it looks absolutely phenomenal. Equally we’ve got Freight Island and Flight Club coming to the centre – and they are choosing to come to Eldon Square.
“I think we are showing that we are evolving into a world class retail and leisure destination. We have an ambition. Those new tenants that we have coming here prove that we are ambitious, with a world-class retail and leisure compliment and it’s getting better and better.
“We’ve also got a brand new identity - we’re black and white, in full colour – and we’re committed to delivering elevated food, fashion and fun experiences. And we’re not standing still. There’s a ton more to come.
“I think the partnership that we have with Newcastle City Council is enabling real momentum. So it’s really exciting now and really exciting for the future.”
Ms Cowie’s comments come as the centre prepares to stage six weeks of themed events for children and families, with themes including princesses, pirates, wizards, crafts, carnivals and superheroes.
She added: “It’s really important that we offer activities like these to families. Eldon Square is the hub of Newcastle city centre and we obviously want to be the destination for retail, for leisure, and for those experiences that you remember - I remember coming into Newcastle Eldon Square as a child, getting involved in things that the centre had at the time. We’re trying to encourage families and make sure Newcastle is the go-to destination.”
