Metrocentre completes refurbishment of independent retail hub

Metrocentre in Gateshead has completed the refurbishment of The Crescent, an 11-unit retail hub designed for local and independent businesses to trial retailing within the scheme.

Units within The Crescent have been refurbished, 60% of which are currently under offer. Tenants within The Crescent will be able to join a retail lineup at Metrocentre that includes retail giants such as Zara, Hollister, and Sephora, as well as Bershka and Lefties which are set to join the scheme later this year.

Local operator Café Filto is set to act as an anchor tenant, offering its signature coffee cans alongside a new summer menu, which includes selection of hot and cold beverages, açai bowls, cakes, sandwiches, and light snacks.

Noah Knapton, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “The Crescent is an important evolution of the offer at Metrocentre. To be launching with Café Filto as the scheme’s inaugural tenant brings our vision for the space to life, setting the tone for what’s to come. Independent retail is something we really value, and The Crescent, alongside The Village located in Upper Blue Mall, are all about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs and providing them with a platform to trade amongst the best of the best, in a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment that leads the way for the North East.”

Dominic Johnson, owner of Filto, added: “The vision for The Crescent really resonates with us, and we see Café Filto as a natural fit for the space. Being positioned at the heart of this new hub gives us a great opportunity to connect with an expansive mix of people throughout the day, while creating a relaxed space where customers can pause, meet and linger. Being an independent operator ourselves, it is fantastic to be able to sit alongside like-minded brands that align with our long-term goals and ambitions.”