Metrocentre breaks ground on new spot for indie retail

The Metrocentre Partnership has started construction works on a new space for independent brands at Metrocentre, transforming a key part of the destination’s Upper Green Mall and underpinning its position as the go-to place for retail in the North East.

The brand-new independent hub, to be called ‘The Crescent’ due to the curved design of its storefronts, covers 10,000 sq ft in total and will comprise 10 retail units, as well as a new central café kiosk. Set to launch in Q2 of this year, The Crescent has already garnered significant interest from several emerging brands around the North East and beyond, with many in active conversations to take space.

Its purpose is to build upon the existing collection of independent brands in ‘The Village’, adjacent to The Crescent in Upper Blue Mall, by delivering a new flagship hub, creating further opportunities for independent retailers to sit alongside national and global powerhouse brands elsewhere in the centre. It will create a fresh and engaging social space for vibrant independent brands to make their mark on the North East, with each retail unit featuring traditional ornate facias and panelled pilasters, as part of a cohesive identity that resonates with Metrocentre’s community.

The c.500 sq ft café will serve as a central gathering point, welcoming shoppers and giving them a space to relax, supporting the white-boxed retail units which vary from 180 to 800 sq ft. The units offer lower barriers to entry with flexible lease terms, enabling independent and emerging brands, including those considering opening their first physical store, an opportunity to trial space and benefit from Metrocentre’s widespread pull of visitors. Target users for The Crescent are lifestyle, gifting, homeware, jewellery, bookstores, collectables and craft-led retailers.

Next to a key walkway in the centre, retailers in The Crescent will not only benefit from high footfall and regular visitation but also Metrocentre’s wider performance, with total year-on-year sales up 3 percent in 2025, and over 16 million visitors annually.

Noah Knapton, Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, said: “The introduction of The Crescent is a significant investment in the future of independent retail at Metrocentre. Independent retail is not a new concept, but what sets Metrocentre apart is our ability to provide the right environment and bespoke support to help brands grow, with many independents successfully starting out in The Village before scaling up and moving into larger units elsewhere within the centre.

We’re creating a platform where more independents can thrive alongside established names, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and choice to the centre, enhancing the overall experience for our visitors. Ultimately, it strengthens Metrocentre’s position as a dynamic destination that evolves with customer demand while supporting emerging retail talent, both locally and nationally.”

The Crescent is the latest project in Metrocentre’s ongoing investment programme, forming part of a wider pipeline of enhancements delivered over the past two years.

All leasing enquiries for The Crescent should be directed to Juliana Bentel from LM Real Estate and Oliver O‘Reilly from Time Retail Partners.