Metro Centre Gateshead

About:

The Gateshead Metrocentre, often simply called the Metrocentre, is one of the largest shopping and leisure complexes in the UK and a defining landmark of North East England. Opened in 1986 on the site of a former power station beside the River Tyne, it transformed the region’s retail landscape, drawing millions of visitors each year with its vast array of shops, entertainment venues, and eateries—all under one roof.

The centre is divided into colour-coded malls—Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow—making it easy to navigate through its 300-plus stores. Here you’ll find everything from high-street favourites like Zara and H&M to luxury brands and independent boutiques. The airy, glass-roofed concourses and fountains lend a surprisingly light, spacious feel despite the building’s immense scale. At its heart lies The Village, an area filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and global cuisines, ideal for a leisurely lunch or evening meal after a shopping spree.

Entertainment is just as central to the Metrocentre experience as retail. The complex includes a large cinema, a bowling alley, and numerous family attractions that make it more than just a shopping destination—it’s an all-day experience. Nearby, the Metro Retail Park offers additional home and lifestyle stores, extending the sense of space and choice even further.

What sets the Metrocentre apart is its atmosphere: though it’s a modern retail hub, it has retained a friendly, local feel, with events, seasonal displays, and community activities throughout the year. Excellent transport links—by bus, train, and car—mean it’s easily accessible from Newcastle, Gateshead, and the Tyne Valley.

For visitors, the Metrocentre offers a little of everything: retail therapy, dining, entertainment, and a chance to experience one of Britain’s pioneering “supermalls.” It remains a symbol of North East enterprise and energy—buzzing, welcoming, and ever evolving.