Metrocentre
A major shopping and leisure complex in Gateshead, North East England.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Metrocentre is a large shopping and leisure complex in the Dunston area of Gateshead, near the River Tyne in North East England. Built on the former site of Dunston Power Station, it combines enclosed retail malls, department stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, a separate retail park and transport facilities. The complex is one of the United Kingdom's largest shopping centres, with more than two million square feet of retail floor space and approximately 10,000 car-parking spaces. Its main enclosed scheme is arranged around five malls: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and Platinum. Additional commercial areas include Metro Retail Park and metrOasis. The project was developed through Cameron Hall Developments, the company associated with Sir John Hall, and was financed by the Church Commissioners for England. The land was acquired in the early 1970s, while public-sector assistance, including an urban development grant and support from Gateshead Metropolitan Borough, helped make the large-scale redevelopment possible. A 1984 exhibition designed to attract retailers generated strong interest from national chains, helping establish the project as a major regional retail destination before construction was complete. Metrocentre opened in stages. The first phase, including the Red Mall, opened on 28 April 1986, followed by the official opening later that year on 14 October. The Green Mall, Blue Mall and Yellow Mall were subsequently added, together with a cinema, a large supermarket and an enclosed amusement park. Metrocentre railway station opened in August 1987, providing a direct rail connection through a covered footbridge, while the site's road network and bus facilities were expanded during the late 1980s and 1990s. The complex has repeatedly been reshaped in response to changes in retailing and leisure. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the former supermarket area was redeveloped after Asda moved to a nearby standalone store, eventually making room for a Debenhams department store and a new transport interchange. The Yellow Mall was later transformed into Qube, an entertainment and dining district containing restaurants, a cinema and family attractions. The former Metroland indoor theme park, once one of Europe's largest indoor amusement parks, closed in 2008 after two decades of operation. Its site was substantially repurposed as part of the Qube development. Ownership and management have also changed. The centre was sold to Transatlantic Insurance in 1995, with the Church Commissioners retaining a minority interest. The buyer later became associated with Intu Properties, and the complex was branded as intu Metrocentre from 2013. Following Intu's collapse, asset-management responsibility passed to Sovereign Centros on behalf of the Metrocentre Partnership in 2020, with Savills providing on-site property management. The centre reverted to the name The Metrocentre and continues to operate as a regional destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and transport. Its current offer includes major fashion, department-store, beauty, sports, homeware and grocery retailers, alongside restaurants and leisure venues such as Odeon, Namco Funscape, Clip 'n Climb, Treetop Golf, The Escapologist and Everlast Gyms. Newer attractions and redevelopment projects demonstrate Metrocentre's continuing shift from a conventional shopping centre toward a mixed retail, food, leisure and experience-led destination.
History
Metrocentre was developed on the former Dunston Power Station site beside the River Tyne in Gateshead. The land was purchased in the early 1970s for £100,000, and the project was financed by the Church Commissioners for England and developed through Cameron Hall Developments, the company associated with Sir John Hall. Assistance from Gateshead Metropolitan Borough and an urban development grant from the Department of the Environment helped provide the infrastructure needed for a major out-of-town retail scheme. A 1984 exhibition held with local support brought prospective retailers to the North East and generated interest from leading national chains. This helped convert the proposal from a local redevelopment project into a nationally significant retail scheme. Construction proceeded in phases, with the Red Mall opening on 28 April 1986 and the formal opening taking place on 14 October. The Green, Blue and Yellow Malls followed during the next stages. The early centre included a Carrefour supermarket, later replaced by other operators, and the first out-of-town Marks & Spencer store. A cinema and additional themed areas were added as the development expanded. Transport infrastructure was central to the complex's regional role. Metrocentre railway station opened in August 1987 and was connected to the shopping centre by a covered footbridge. Further road links, including connections to the A1 and the Western Bypass, were introduced around the turn of the 1990s. A coach park and later a replacement transport interchange supported the centre's ability to draw visitors from across North East England and beyond. The centre's leisure identity developed rapidly. Metroland opened in February 1988 as an enclosed amusement park featuring a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, pirate ship, miniature railway, dodgems and other rides. It was later renamed The New Metroland following refurbishment. The attraction closed in April 2008 despite local opposition and petitions. Its closure made space available for a broader dining and entertainment redevelopment, and the Qube opened in 2009 with restaurants, public art and family entertainment facilities. Ownership changed in 1995 when the centre was sold to Transatlantic Insurance for a reported £364 million. The Church Commissioners retained a 10% interest. The ownership structure later became associated with Capital Shopping Centres and Intu Properties. During this period the centre underwent extensive modernisation. Asda moved from the mall to a nearby standalone store in 1997, enabling the former supermarket area to be redeveloped. The former unit was eventually demolished and replaced by a Debenhams department store, while a new transport interchange was built near the Blue Mall. Further projects included the Qube conversion of the Yellow Mall, the purchase and integration of the adjacent retail park, the creation of metrOasis on a former petrol-station site, and the conversion of the Central Mall into the Platinum Mall for more premium and designer-oriented retailers. The centre was branded intu Metrocentre from 2013. Retail formats continued to change, including the opening of a very large Next store in 2018 and a later Next Beauty & Home store in the former Debenhams unit. Intu's financial collapse led to another management transition in 2020. Sovereign Centros was appointed to oversee asset management for the Metrocentre Partnership, whose interests include the Church Commissioners and GIC Real Estate, while Savills became the on-site property manager. The complex was again presented as The Metrocentre. Recent additions have reinforced the move toward mixed-use experience: Clip 'n Climb replaced an earlier adventure-golf attraction, Treetop Golf opened in the Qube in late 2023, and Everlast Gyms established a large hybrid fitness facility in the former department-store space. Metrocentre remains an active regional destination combining shopping, food, leisure, transport and out-of-town retail.
- 2023
New leisure and fitness attractions
[1]Treetop Golf opened in the Qube and Everlast Gyms launched a large hybrid fitness club.
- 2020
New asset-management arrangement
[1]Sovereign Centros and Savills assumed key management responsibilities after Intu's collapse, and the centre reverted to The Metrocentre branding.
- 2018
Large Next store opens
[1]Next consolidated multiple units into a 78,000-square-foot store.
- 2013
Rebranded as intu Metrocentre
[1]The complex adopted the intu name following the rebranding of its parent company.
- 2012
Platinum Mall and metrOasis developed
[1]The Central Mall was redeveloped as Platinum Mall, while the perimeter metrOasis project opened with food and drive-through operators.
- 2009
Qube opens
[1]A redesigned dining and leisure district opened with restaurants, commissioned art and Namco Funscape.
- 2008
Metroland closes
[1]The former indoor amusement park ended operations, clearing the way for redevelopment of the Yellow Mall area.
- 1995
Ownership transfer
[1]Transatlantic Insurance acquired the centre, with the Church Commissioners retaining a minority interest.
- 1988
Metroland opens
[1]The enclosed Metroland theme park opened, adding a major amusement attraction to the shopping centre.
- 1987
Rail station opens
[1]Metrocentre railway station opened and linked directly to the complex through a covered pedestrian bridge.
Products and positioning
A large regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination serving North East England, with a broad national-retailer mix and an increasingly experience-led leisure offer.
Retail destination · 1986
Enclosed shopping malls
Metrocentre's principal retail offer is organised into the Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and Platinum Malls. Together they accommodate a broad national-retailer mix spanning fashion, beauty, sports, homeware, department-store goods, books, gifts and specialist retail. Major occupiers have included Marks & Spencer, Next, H Beauty, Primark, TK Maxx, Sports Direct, JD Sports, Boots, Zara, H&M, Apple and Waterstones. The malls are designed as a single regional destination rather than as separate neighbourhood stores.
Dining and leisure district · 2009
Qube
Qube is the centre's principal dining and entertainment zone, created through the redevelopment of the former Yellow Mall and Metroland area. It combines restaurants such as Bella Italia, Nando's, PizzaExpress, YO! Sushi and Zizzi with leisure attractions. The area has hosted commissioned public art and contains facilities including Odeon, Namco Funscape, Clip 'n Climb, The Escapologist and Treetop Golf.
Out-of-town retail park · 1987
Metro Retail Park
Metro Retail Park is an adjoining retail area west of the main centre, covering more than 183,000 square feet and focused largely on home, furniture and lifestyle shopping. Its occupiers have included Barker and Stonehouse, Oak Furniture Land and Furniture Village. A redevelopment following demolition of the former Toys R Us unit added new commercial space and electric-vehicle charging provision.
Food and drive-through retail area · 2012
metrOasis
metrOasis is a perimeter development between Qube and Metro Retail Park, built on the site of a former petrol station. It broadens the centre's food and convenience offer beyond the enclosed malls, with operators that have included Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Starbucks, Toby Carvery and Burger King. Its layout is suited to drive-through and destination dining.
Cinema · 2010
Odeon Metrocentre
The Odeon is a 12-screen cinema located in the Qube leisure area. Its reported features include a VIP lounge, 3D-capable screens and an IMAX Digital auditorium, which was described as the first of its kind in North East England when introduced. The cinema forms part of the centre's strategy of combining retail visits with evening and family entertainment.
Indoor amusement park · 1988
Metroland
Metroland was a fully enclosed amusement park within Metrocentre. It opened in 1988 and was later renamed The New Metroland after refurbishment. Attractions included a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, pirate ship, waltzers, miniature railway and dodgem cars. It closed in April 2008 after a final weekend event, and its space was subsequently redeveloped as part of the Qube dining and leisure district.
Family entertainment · 2009
Namco Funscape
Namco Funscape is a family entertainment venue in the lower Qube. Its reported facilities include an 18-lane ten-pin bowling centre, dodgem track and children's soft-play area. The venue helped replace some of the amusement capacity lost when Metroland closed and supports Metrocentre's positioning as a leisure destination as well as a retail complex.
Miniature golf · 2023
Treetop Golf
Treetop Golf is an indoor mini-golf attraction in the upper Qube. It contains two 18-hole courses and forms part of the complex's newer experience-led leisure offer. The attraction opened in late 2023, adding a social and family activity to the restaurants and cinema already established in the district.
Fitness and wellness · 2023
Everlast Gyms
Everlast Gyms opened a 40,000-square-foot hybrid fitness club in November 2023 on the upper floor of the former Debenhams department-store unit. The reported facilities include a full-size boxing ring, spin studio, yoga room, saunas and ice baths. Its presence extends Metrocentre's offer into health, training and recovery services.
Marketing campaigns
- 2008Last Ride Weekend
United Kingdom
Metroland marked its closure with a final weekend on 19–20 April, offering an all-day admission price and unlimited rides. Proceeds from the final night were directed to charity.
Outcome. The event concluded Metroland's operation before the space was redeveloped into Qube.
- 1984Proposed scheme retailer exhibition
United Kingdom
A locally supported exhibition presented the proposed Metrocentre development to retailers and the public. Strong attendance from major national chains helped build commercial momentum for the project.
Outcome. The exhibition helped establish the development as a significant national retail opportunity before opening.
Brand decisions
2022
Redevelop former Toys R Us siteStrategyBackground
The adjoining Metro Retail Park required renewal of a former large-format retail unit.
Action taken
The former Toys R Us building was demolished and a redevelopment was initiated to create three new units, alongside rapid electric-vehicle charging facilities and additional cycle provision.
Aftermath
The project was intended to refresh the retail-park offer and improve its transport and sustainability infrastructure.
Redevelopment cost. £5 million redevelopment (2022)
2020
Transition to post-Intu managementStrategyBackground
Intu's collapse required a new asset-management and property-management structure for the centre.
Action taken
Sovereign Centros was appointed to oversee asset management on behalf of Metrocentre Partnership, with Savills appointed as on-site property manager. The centre returned to The Metrocentre branding.
Aftermath
The complex continued trading under the Metrocentre name with a new management arrangement and ownership framework involving the Church Commissioners and GIC Real Estate.
2012
Create a more premium Platinum MallStrategyBackground
The centre reorganised part of its internal retail layout to give selected brands a more premium and designer-oriented setting.
Action taken
The Central Mall was redeveloped and renamed Platinum Mall, with early occupiers including Mamas & Papas, H&M Kids and Tessuti.
Aftermath
The project added another differentiated retail zone to the five-mall complex.
2008
Replace Metroland with a dining and leisure districtStrategyBackground
Metrocentre sought to modernise the Yellow Mall area and respond to changing visitor expectations by moving from a large enclosed amusement park toward food, entertainment and flexible leisure uses.
Action taken
Metroland and the adjacent Megabowl were closed, and a reported £35 million scheme transformed the area into Qube, which opened in 2009 with restaurants, public art and family entertainment.
Aftermath
Qube became a core part of Metrocentre's leisure offer and accommodated later attractions including Namco Funscape, Clip 'n Climb and Treetop Golf.
Redevelopment cost. £35 million planned redevelopment (2008 announcement)
Recent events
SMR Jewellers announced a planned Metrocentre store opening[3]
Reported:
The article reported that SMR Jewellers was scheduled to arrive at Metrocentre on November 7, 2026; this is a planned opening, not a reported completed opening.
Superpower Toys & Collectibles opened Metrocentre store[3]
Reported:
Superpower Toys & Collectibles opened a collectables and toy store at Metrocentre on October 31, 2026.
Landsec completes acquisition of Metrocentre[4]
Landsec completed its acquisition of a 100% stake in Metrocentre for a net cash consideration of £516 million.
- Unconfirmed
Coast to Coast closes its Metrocentre restaurant[5]
Reported:
The Coast to Coast American Restaurant & Bar in the Yellow Mall at Gateshead's Metrocentre permanently closed. The Metrocentre said Coast to Coast had reached the end of its lease.
Metrocentre unveils staff uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles[6]
Reported:
Metrocentre Gateshead unveiled new staff uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles, with its first order diverting almost 5,000 bottles from landfill in the UK.
Sources6 sources
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