We're proud to say the Metrocentre's start to 2026 was busier than ever
Gateshead’s Metrocentre is celebrating a hugely successful start to 2026, in addition to a strong end to 2025.
The shopping centre is due to celebrate its 40th year this year, and things have started well.
Figures released by the site suggest a strong start to the year compared to previous data from the same period.
Boxing Day delivered an exceptional performance for Metrocentre with footfall finishing 7.6% ahead of the same day in 2024, significantly outperforming the national average of 4.4% for shopping centres and high streets across the UK.
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This uplift was echoed throughout December with several high-performing trading days delivering an annual footfall of over 16m visitors, a 1.5% increase on 2024.
This busy period has coincided with regional debuts for brands such as Stradivarius and Activate, plus openings for Urban Outfitters, Søstrene Grene, Diamond Factory and Maki & Ramen. The Gateshead complex also announced a UK exclusive for Peppa Pig: Surprise Party, set to open in the coming months.
Gavin Prior, Centre Director at Metrocentre, said: “These results are a strong endorsement of Metrocentre’s position as a prime retail and leisure destination for the North East.
“They reflect the continued confidence of both new brands choosing to open here and long-standing partners who are investing further and evolving their offer.
“Giving customers easy access to the best brands, in the best surroundings, is at the very heart of our retail and leisure strategy, and these latest figures are testament to the hard work, investment and advances being made.
“We look forward to creating even more reasons to visit with further big announcements planned throughout 2026.”
Alongside new openings, 2025 also saw significant brand and landlord investment, including a series of upsizes, relocations and refurbishments. Highlights included Boots’ refurbished 40,000 sq ft store and Superdrug’s relocation to a new 10,000 sq ft unit.