Member Article

Primark unveils plans to extend Metrocentre store

Sovereign Centros has announced the signing of a significant upsize at Metrocentre for anchor tenant Primark. Adding 14,100 sq ft of trading space, the multinational fashion retailer has shown its commitment to the number one destination in the North East and top 5 UK super regional mall.

Primark first joined Metrocentre nearly 20 years ago, before relocating into its current site in 2010. Anchoring Exhibition Square, a key junction where Yellow, Blue, and Platinum Malls meet, the shopping area of the upsized store will cover nearly 80,000 sq ft. The works to extend into the adjacent unit on the ground floor are currently underway, with an expected opening date to be confirmed for later this summer.

Ben Cox, Senior Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros, commented: “2024 has started just how 2023 finished – with major retailers committing to new, enhanced space at Metrocentre. Similar to Zara and Frasers Group, Primark is the next powerhouse brand to make the decision to expand its presence here, made possible by decades of strong performance. Delivering this now is a direct response to what our visitors want from Metrocentre, as we continue to deliver best-in-class flagships from some of the UK’s best-loved brands.”

Conor Walsh, Director of Sales UK, South West and North East for Primark, added: “We are excited to be extending our popular Gateshead Metrocentre store to give our customers more of what they love from Primark, which means great value with an enhanced shopping experience and extended product offer. We can’t wait for our customers to see the extended selling space, giving them even more reasons to visit.”

The extended Primark at Gateshead Metrocentre forms part of the retailer’s recent investment of over £100 million in its UK stores this year, as it celebrates 50 years of Primark in Great Britain. 

Primark is the latest leading retailer to have re-committed to Metrocentre. Last year, the destination re-anchored the Red Mall by relocating and upsizing international powerhouses Sports Direct, Flannels, and Zara, creating more than 170,000 sq ft of new retail space.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Thornton .