The owners of the North East's flagship Metrocentre shopping and leisure complex have unveiled ambitious plans to create an entirely new retail zone designed specifically for independent businesses.
Transforming The Forum into The Crescent
Metrocentre Partnership has announced it will completely refurbish and reposition The Forum area, which has traditionally housed more conventional traders alongside independent operators and food and beverage outlets. The significant investment will transform this space into The Crescent, a new flagship destination that will champion independent retailers while revitalising a crucial link mall within the centre.
This major redevelopment proposal comes just two weeks after the Partnership secured a £70 million refinance deal, demonstrating strong financial backing for the centre's long-term vision.
A Village Feel with Modern Design
Designers are taking inspiration from picturesque market towns to create a warm, welcoming space with a distinct village-like atmosphere. The Crescent will offer visitors a slower, more sociable environment within the bustling shopping centre, providing opportunities to browse and discover unique brands.
Key features of the new development will include:
- Up to 10 newly refurbished retail units
- A centrally positioned artisan coffee hub intended as a new meeting place
- Traditional Victorian-inspired fascias with panelled columns
- Hand-painted signage and new floor finishes
- Columns designed to resemble trees with greenery and natural tones
The design aims to make shoppers feel as though they're shopping outside on a village street, creating a calm space for guests to shop, meet for coffee, and enjoy a different pace.
Part of Long-Term Vision
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, explained: "The Crescent is an important part of our strategy to bring fresh energy, upgraded design and a stronger independent retail presence to this link mall, which reflects our ambition to invest in areas of the centre where our customers will see the biggest benefit."
The project forms part of Metrocentre's long-term vision to enhance the connection between the Blue Mall and Green Malls, creating "a modern, character-led environment designed for a new generation of independent retailers."
This investment follows several other major projects at the centre, including the recent launches of Zara, Stradivarius, H Beauty, and the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre.
Refurbishment works are scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the new units ready for occupation by the second quarter of the same year.
