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It’s well-documented that these are tricky times for UK retail – at the end of last year, a House of Commons research paper reckoned that the sector has been in ‘permacrisis’ ever since the 2008 financial crash, while a bunch of huge high street names have already confirmed closures in 2026.
Luckily, there’s plenty of good news out there, thanks to plucky retailers who’re thinking outside the box.
Take Gateshead’s Metrocentre, the second-biggest shopping centre in the UK (after London’s Westfield), which has unveiled a new £6m investment to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Interestingly, the shopping mecca has chosen to spotlight independent brands rather than worldwide behemoths. Currently dubbed the Forum, this area of the Metrocentre will be renamed the Crescent, featuring 10 new retail units and a nice spot to take the weight off and grab a coffee.
A Metrocentre spokesperson acknowledged that the Forum previously hosted independent retailers and described the rebrand as a return to its roots that will bring old-school ‘charm’ back to this much-loved destination. Inspired by ‘picturesque market towns’, the space will offer a ‘a calm, beautifully detailed space for guests to shop' and 'enjoy a different pace within Metrocentre’.
They added: ‘For visitors, the Crescent will become a warm, welcoming space with a village-like feel – somewhere to browse and discover unique brands while enjoying a slower, more sociable space within the centre.’
When it first opened in 1986, Metrocentre was Europe’s largest shopping centre. With close to 300 shops attracting 13 million annual visitors, it’s still riding high, which looks set to continue with the new 10,000 square ft. Crescent. As well as independent brands, the space will offer new homes to Hollister, Bershka and jewellery brand Lovisa.
Metrocentre is overseen by the property management company Sovereign Centros, which is part of CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate company.
Sovereign Centros director Ben Cox said: ‘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, creating an additional destination that resonates with shoppers, whilst attracting a diverse mix of occupiers.
‘We know our visitors love discovering something new, and the Crescent is designed to offer exactly that – a space filled with character, independent brands and a welcoming feel.’
With construction already in progress and completion scheduled for the summer, it’s good news for Gateshead and the UK in general.
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