Metrocentre

Metrocentre is not just a shopping center, but a literal city of shopping and entertainment located in Gateshead, near Newcastle upon Tyne. As one of the largest such complexes in the entire United Kingdom, it attracts visitors from all over North East England as well as tourists. It is a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring countless shops and enjoying a variety of entertainment.

The complex has an interesting history: it was built on the site of the former Dunston power station. Today, its massive space is divided into several themed zones for ease of navigation—the Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow malls. This thoughtful organization helps visitors find their way among more than two hundred stores, featuring both world-famous brands and popular local labels.

In addition to shopping, Metrocentre offers a wealth of leisure opportunities. It houses a modern cinema, including an IMAX screen, bowling, attractions, and numerous restaurants and cafes to suit every taste. This makes it an ideal place for family outings or meeting up with friends. Combining world-class shopping with a diverse entertainment infrastructure, Metrocentre is rightfully considered one of the main points of interest in the region.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding opening hours, available shops, and upcoming events at Metrocentre, it is recommended to consult official sources. All the necessary contact details have been compiled below for your convenience.

A visit to Metrocentre is, first and foremost, about world-class shopping. Here you can find shops for every taste and budget: from major department stores like Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser to popular brands such as Boots and Burton. The entire complex is conveniently divided into several themed zones, making it easy to navigate the vast space and turning a shopping trip into an organized and pleasant activity. Thanks to this variety, every guest will find something for themselves, whether it's fashion, cosmetics, or home goods.

Beyond shopping, Metrocentre surprises with its atmosphere and gastronomic options. Certain parts of the complex are decorated in unique styles, such as a Mediterranean village or a Roman forum, adding a special charm to your stroll. After a successful shopping spree, you can relax in one of the many cafes or restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. It’s a great chance to grab a snack, have a coffee, or enjoy a full dinner without leaving the center.

For those seeking entertainment, Metrocentre offers plenty of options. It features a modern ODEON cinema with IMAX screens, where you can catch the latest film releases. Active leisure enthusiasts will appreciate the entertainment centers, which include bowling, arcade games, and other attractions. Additionally, the complex offers other activities like indoor mini-golf, making it an ideal leisure destination for families or friends in any weather.

Getting to Metrocentre is quite simple, as it is conveniently located in Gateshead, in close proximity to Newcastle upon Tyne. Thanks to a well-developed transport infrastructure, visitors can choose the most suitable way to travel—be it by train, metro, car, or coach.

One of the most convenient methods is taking the train. The shopping complex has its own dedicated station, MetroCentre railway station, which was opened by British Rail back in 1987. Direct trains from Newcastle take approximately 8 minutes. For maximum visitor comfort, the station is connected to the main building by a covered pedestrian bridge, allowing you to get inside quickly without stepping outdoors. You can also use the Tyne and Wear Metro system, which serves both Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, where the shopping center is situated.

For those who prefer traveling by private transport, there are approximately 10,000 free parking spaces available near the complex. Additionally, Metrocentre is equipped with a dedicated coach park with 350 spaces, making it easily accessible for large groups and excursions. The complex is also served by numerous bus routes connecting it to different parts of the city and the surrounding areas.

The history of Metrocentre is a prime example of an ambitious and forward-thinking project. The idea for its creation originated in the early 1970s when a plot of land on the site of a former power station was purchased for just £100,000. Funding was provided by the Church Commissioners for England, with Sir John Hall's company acting as the developer. To demonstrate the potential of the future complex, an exhibition was held in 1984, which was a resounding success: it was attended by over 1,000 representatives of the United Kingdom's largest retail chains, confirming the high demand for such a format.

The shopping center opened in phases, demonstrating a rapid pace of construction. The first phase, the Red Mall, welcomed visitors in April 1986. This event was marked by the opening of the country's first out-of-town Marks & Spencer department store and a large Carrefour supermarket. By October of the same year, the Green Mall opened, and in 1987, the complex was further expanded with the Blue and Yellow malls, significantly increasing its retail space.

Infrastructure development kept pace with the expansion of the shopping areas. In August 1987, the center gained its own railway station, connected to the main building by a covered walkway for maximum convenience. In the following years, unique themed zones were added, such as the Roman Forum and the Mediterranean Village, which gave the complex a special charm. By 1989, with the opening of a bowling alley and a coach park, Metrocentre was fully operational, becoming one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Europe.

When planning a visit to Metrocentre, it's worth keeping in mind that it is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the entire United Kingdom, and the time needed to see it depends greatly on your goals. If you just want to quickly browse a few specific shops or get a general sense of the scale of the place, 2–3 hours might suffice. However, even a short visit can run long due to its massive size and convenient yet extensive layout.

For a full shopping experience and to explore the various themed malls—from the Red to the Yellow—it is recommended to set aside at least half a day. This will allow you to visit boutiques of interest without rushing, compare products, and perhaps take a coffee break at one of the many cafes. Metrocentre is not a place to rush; its atmosphere encourages leisurely strolls and pleasant discoveries.

If your goal is not just shopping but also entertainment, feel free to plan for a whole day. After shopping, you can have lunch at one of the restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, go to the IMAX cinema, play bowling, or visit other attractions. Such a comprehensive approach will turn an ordinary shopping trip into a full day of relaxation, especially if you are traveling with family or friends near Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Metrocentre shopping and entertainment complex is open to visitors year-round, but opening hours vary depending on the day of the week. Generally, from Monday to Friday, the center is open from 9:00 to 21:00. On Saturdays, hours are reduced to 9:00–19:00, and on Sundays, shops are open from 11:00 to 17:00. On Bank Holidays, the center usually operates on a special schedule, for example, from 10:00 to 18:00.

No special booking or ticket purchase is required to enter Metrocentre itself. However, it is worth noting that the opening hours of individual shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues—such as the cinema or bowling alley—may differ from the general hours of the complex. Some may open later or close earlier. Therefore, if you plan to visit a specific place, it is highly recommended to check current information on the official Metrocentre website or contact the establishment directly in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

A visit to Metrocentre can easily take up an entire day, but exploring its surroundings will make your trip to Newcastle upon Tyne even more rewarding. Located in Gateshead, the complex is in close proximity to many cultural, entertainment, and historical sites that define the character of this region of the United Kingdom.

By setting aside some time to explore nearby attractions, you can dive deeper into the atmosphere of North East England. From sports arenas and science museums to bustling markets and entertainment complexes—just a few kilometers from Metrocentre, new discoveries and vivid experiences await you. Below is a list of some interesting places located nearby.