Post-pandemic footfall high for Metrocentre

16 MILLION VISITORS WELCOMED AMID WAVE OF INVESTMENTS

- By COREENA FORD Business Reporter [e-mail] @scoopford

The Metrocentre in Gateshead

METROCENTRE bosses are toasting success after welcoming 16 million visitors for the first time since the pandemic.

The Gateshead shopping and leisure destination has issued its latest figures covering the third quarter of 2025, in which it said it had been building on its momentum of recent years.

During the quarter the Metrocentre complex welcomed new lettings including Danish homeware and lifestyle brand Sostrene Grene, watch firm Swatch, natural health food shop Grape Tree, and fashion store Badge.

It also opened a large Maki & Ramen restaurant, the second to open in the region following on from its opening in Newcastle's Eldon Square.

There were also nine letting renewals including Apple, Nando's, Next, Accessorize and Body Shop.

Martin Healy, chairman of Metrocentre, said the new arrivals build on significant new lettings in the second quarter, which included Spanish fashion retailer Stradivarius, immersive entertainment centre Activate and trendy clothing company Urban Outfitters.