£2m centre a sporting successs for decades

Thousands flocked to Eldon Square Recreation Centre between its opening in 1976 and closure in 2000, writes DAVID MORTON

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NEWCASTLE’S Eldon Square Shopping Centre will be marking its 50th anniversary next year.

Opening in April 1976, the sprawling indoor complex imported the American mall experience and revolutionised retail in the North East.

As well as shopping, it catered for leisure and sport in the shape of Eldon Square Recreation Centre. Many will recall entering the doors on the left of our photograph, going up in the lift, then stepping out there.

From day one, the centre was a state-of-the-art facility designed to cater for local people, schools, groups, and anyone keen to break a sweat. When the new Eldon Square complex kicked into action half a century ago, the Evening Chronicle told how the Recreation Centre “would be one of the finest centres in the country”.