MetroCentre Shopping Centre Guide

Metro Centre, Gateshead
Metro Centre, Gateshead - © Mick Garratt

The MetroCentre is located in Gateshead close to the city of Newcastle in the North East of England. The centre is currently the largest shopping and leisure complex in the UK and Europe. There is a range of shopping on offer here with around 330 shops for shoppers to choose from, in addition there are leisure facilities too including a cinema. The MetroCentre attracts shoppers from all over the North East and beyond, Newcastle has in recent years undergone a modernisation and redevelopment program like other UK cities in the midlands and the north.

The MetroCentre along with the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead and the BALTIC have become the well recognised symbols of the transformation of Newcastle and Gateshead. In recent years Newcastle has also been an increase in the number of short breaks visitors, attracted to its well known entertainment and nightlife. There are good transport links to the MetroCentre to help visitors.


Overview


The MetroCentre shopping and leisure complex was opened back in 1986, since then there have been several improvements and upgrades up to the present site that is recognised as the largest shopping complex in the UK & Europe. The complex is located in Gateshead next to Newcastle and has become one of the most famous and recognisable of the attractions in the area.

There are currently plans to expand and improve further helping to ensure the complex keeps pace with others. In the complex the flagship department stores in residence are House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Bhs. Shoppers will find a range of stores that suit a range of budgets from those looking for budget and discounted goods to those looking for more upmarket and designer outlets. The location close to Newcastle makes it easy for shoppers and short breaks visitors to the area to pay the centre a visit.

With more than 330 shops to choose from spread over 3 floors, shoppers have a wide array of choices here, the retailers offer a huge range of goods and services all under one roof. Retailers specialising in fashion and clothing for men, women and children, health and beauty, electrical, telecoms, gifts and accessories, homeware, books, audio/visual, jewellery, travel and a range of services such as opticians all can be found here.

The range and number of shops and outlets means shoppers are likely to find most things they are looking for, some may enjoy a short visit here, whilst shopping fans may wish to enjoy a whole day of retail therapy.

Entertainment is available at the Odeon cinema on site, this cinema boasts eleven screens and offers visitors the chance to see the latest film releases in comfort. In 2009 a host of new entertainment facilities will open here these include the family entertainment centre with pool, bowling children's play areas, games and activity machines. The cinema is also due for development offering more comfort and luxury including a VIP lounge and modern bars. The entertainment facilities are due for completion in autumn 2009.

There are over 50 eateries and restaurants located in the shopping centre, the main department stores that include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Bhs have their own restaurants offering a range of snacks, drinks, refreshments and meals. There are a range of outlets here including Pizza Hut, KFC, MacDonald’s and Nandos, there are also a range of coffee shops including outlets for Starbucks and Costa Coffee, there are also sandwich shops such as Subway.

The restaurants here include Cafe Rouge, El Molino and Est. the cuisine available varies from British to French, to Italian to Spanish to Indian to International and Fusion.

The Metro Retail Park is located next to the actual shopping centre and offers shoppers even more choice, among the retailers based here are, Staples, Toys R Us, Furniture Village with food and drink available from McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. The retail park has good parking facilities on site and is located a short walk from the main centre.

The MetroCentre is open 7 days a week, however individual store times vary. The restaurants and cinema are usually open longer than is the case for the shops, however it is advisable to check with each individual business to be certain.

Free Car parking is available at the shopping centre. There are approx 10,000 car parking spaces in the various car parks offering visitors convenient access to the shopping malls and retail park. Disabled Parking is also available for disabled badge holders and Child Parking spaces.


How To Get There


By Car:

The complex is located just off the A1, 3 miles from Newcastle city centre. If approaching from the South, takes the A1(M) northbound and from the Washington Services stay in left hand lanes at junction 65 and continue onto the A1 that is signposted A1 Gateshead, Newcastle. Drive through the Gateshead Western Bypass and the Newcastle Western Bypass, turn left where it is signposted MetroCentre then turn right onto Hollinside Road and then cross the road bridge.

If approaching from the north, take the A1 southbound towards Newcastle and Gateshead, it is signposted as The South A1M, Gateshead. Continue driving until you see the signs for the MetroCentre. Continue until you see signs for MetroCentre. For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is NE11 9YG.

By Train:

MetroCentre is part of the rail network with its own station. The journey time from Newcastle Central Station to MetroCentre Rail station is approx 7 minutes with frequency approx every 15 minutes. Train services are also available from Sunderland and Teesside.

By Bus:

MetroCentre has its own Public Transport Interchange, with many buses arriving each hour, the centre is well connected on the bus network. CentreLink Service X66 from Gateshead Metro Interchange is around 10 minutes from the complex with frequent services every 7 to 10 minutes.

MetroCentre Shuttle 100 from Newcastle City Centre with stops at Blackett Street, Monument and Central Station offers a service to the shopping centre, the journey time is 15 minutes and frequency is around every 7 to 10 minutes.


Contact Details


Address:

MetroCentre
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE11 9YG

Telephone: +44 (0)191 493 0219 or +44 (0)191 460 5299

Website: MetroCentre


Map


Use the Shopping Search map to find the location of the MetroCentre complex in Gateshead. You can also use the local search for Restaurants, Bars, Hotel Accommodation, Coffee Shops, Tourist Attractions and more. To view click on the MetroCentre link below and ensure your browser is pop up enabled: MetroCentre Shopping Map


Tips & Other Considerations


There may be some variations on the hours of individual shops and outlets in the shopping complex depending on opening hours of each shop and the particular day of the week.

Ensure you are always alert and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to snatch your bag.

Do not leave your bags/shopping bags unattended, this will help prevent theft and stop you misplacing your bags.

If you are travelling by car to the MetroCentre ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, especially if you are not familiar with the local area and roads.

If you are travelling by public transport, it is useful to check for service updates before you begin your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to your services that can impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and try to ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.




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