Member Article

Gateshead's Trinity Square tops 3 million visitors in first year

The newly established Gateshead shopping area, Trinity Square, has seen over 3 million visitors since opening 12 months ago.

The £150 million development, on the site of the former “Get Carter carpark”, is now at 85% occupancy and has created 500 jobs since its inception.

Trinity Square comprises 240,000 sq ft of retail space, a 15,000 sq ft Primary Care Trust, and 27,000 sq ft of office accommodation

The scheme features a nine-screen Vue cinema, 41 units, including Tesco, Boots, Sports Direct, Poundland, Costa Coffee, Nando’s, Gym, and residential accommodation soon to house 1,000 Northumbria University students.

Tony Pickering, Trinity Square centre manager said: “The past year has been a huge success for Trinity Square – the centre of Gateshead has been transformed and now there is more than ever for shoppers.

“We’ve seen a growth in sales over the past few months due to an increased awareness of the varied offering at the scheme – more people are combining their shopping trip with a meal and a film, or even a trip to the gym.

“The forthcoming months are already proving to be lively with negotiations under way for some new store openings. The arrival of the students after the summer will also be mutually beneficial to local people and the community alike, and it marks a very exciting time for Trinity Square and the town of Gateshead.”

Gateshead Council strategic director of development and enterprise, Paul Dowling, said: “In the first 12 months since opening, Trinity Square has made a huge impact on central Gateshead. The jobs and new shopping and leisure opportunities have provided a huge boost to the area.

“But at the same time it has changed the feel of Gateshead Centre and, particularly at times like Christmas or Easter when there are events on, the square has a real buzz to it.

“And that buzz is only going to be enhanced as more businesses move in and when almost 1,000 students move in too.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .