The Metrocentre Partnership has announced plans to create ‘The Crescent’.

Plans to create a flagship destination for independent retail at the Metrocentre has been unveiled.

The Metrocentre Partnership looks set to refurbish and reposition ‘The Forum’ in order to create ‘The Crescent’.

It forms part of the Gateshead shopping centre’s long-term vision to enhance the connection between the Blue Mall and the Green Mall by introducing a modern, character-led environment.

How The Crescent could look at the Metrocentre. | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — How The Crescent could look at the Metrocentre. | Other 3rd Party

The Crescent aims to give visitors somewhere to browse and discover unique brands while enjoying a slower, more sociable space within the Metrocentre, with up to 10 newly refurbished retail units and a centrally positioned coffee hub.

Historically, The Forum was home to specialist independent retailers at the Metrocentre and The Crescent will be aiming to give that back.

The design for The Crescent takes inspiration from picturesque market towns to create a calm, detailed space for people to shop, meet for coffee and enjoy a different pace within the Metrocentre.

Complementing the natural features introduced at the Town Square, the design looks to draw on the character of the distinctive crescent shape.

The refurbishment includes:

Traditional Victorian-inspired fascias with panelled pilasters, stall risers, panel doors and hand-painted signage.
An artisan coffee hub that is intended to become a new meeting place.
Enhanced new floor finishes, treated landlord columns to create the appearance of ‘trees’ connecting into the mall ceiling, with greenery and natural tones being introduced to create a calm setting and the impression of an external village street.

An artist's impression of how The Crescent's central coffee hub could look. | Other 3rd Party

Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, 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.”

You can find out more about the Metrocentre at: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/.