Shoppers at the Metrocentre in Gateshead can now enjoy more time browsing, as 13 major retailers have extended their opening hours every Saturday. The change, which was officially announced on 2 April 2026, is intended to give visitors a more relaxed experience when visiting the shopping centre.
The retailers participating in this change include M&S, Boots, Typo, Superdrug, Stradivarius, Zara, Flannels, Sports Direct, New Look, Mango, JD Sports, Primark, and all branches of Greggs. By staying open later, these popular stores aim to provide shoppers with extra flexibility for their weekend trips.
As the second-largest shopping centre in the UK, the venue remains a key destination for the region. The centre has seen strong interest from the public, recently welcoming 16 million visitors throughout 2025. This latest update follows a period of investment for the site, which first opened its doors in 1986.
Alongside these operational changes, the site is undergoing broader updates as it approaches its 40-year anniversary. A 6 million pound redevelopment of the Green Mall entrance is currently underway, and a new agreement with Gateshead Council has been signed to develop a new city district on the south bank of the River Tyne. These projects, supported by a 70 million pound refinancing deal completed in 2025, reflect ongoing efforts to maintain the centre as a primary destination for the community.
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