Festive Edit - Nov/Dec 22

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Welcome

NOV/DEC 22

A warm welcome

It’s been an exciting year at Metrocentre with the opening of H beauty from Harrods, H&M Home, JD Sports, Jo Malone, and many more. All of that, plus the modern refurbishment of Town Square, the addition of more greenery and seating areas across the centre, and the completion of the solar project gaining us the title as the ‘largest solar project’ in any UK shopping centre.

With all of that in mind, we’re celebrating a remarkable 2022 and looking forward to an equally brilliant 2023, but before we head into the New Year, we’re delighted to be sharing with you some of our highlights and gift guides for the festive season ahead.

Inside this guide you’ll find reasons to visit the centre with the family this Christmas, ideas for those hard-to-buy-for people in your life, festive tipple inspiration and a look at some of H beauty’s best and biggest brands including Le Labo.

Merry Christmas from all at Metrocentre.

Gavin Prior, Centre Director

Contributors

Nicole Wood

In association with

04 Hello H beauty

A playground of skincare, make-up and fragrance

06 Fresh fragrance

Get to know Le Labo - a slow perfumery within H beauty 08

Perfect scent

Welcoming Jo Malone this winter season

10 Gift guides

Time to tick off those Christmas lists

16 Cocktail o’clock

Enjoy seasonal sips at Harrods Champgane Bar 20 Jet

setters

Expert advice from the travel agents 22

Days out

Fun for all the family at Metrocentre

Cover image: Marks and Spencer Personalised Stockings, Winter 2022

If you wish to discuss any advertising and sponsorship opportunities please contact: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366

Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR allies-group.com

All contents copyright ©2022 Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, November 2022.

Drybar

An elevated blow-dry experience for every occasionwe’re talking a spontaneous date night, hen do, work party and beyond. Because sometimes all your hair needs is a really good blow-dry.

Big time beauty

H beauty is the beauty emporium we’ve all been waiting for - the ultimate playground to discover skincare, make-up and fragrance

H beauty brings a truly unique new beauty experience to the region, changing the way you shop for skincare, make-up and fragrance forever. Go here and be blown away by the extraordinary, extensive range of big name beauty brands that you won’t find anywhere else in the regionfrom legacy names to pioneering, next generation newcomers - including some of the exciting brands you’ll find in Harrods’ flagship Knightsbridge Beauty Halls. The thrill of H beauty doesn’t stop at the product - it’s the destination to see and be seen. We’re talking interactive Playtables where you can

experiment with make-up, Skincare Stations for mini treatments, plus an incredible, Insta-worthy Champagne Bar to rest your legs and raise a glass (or two!).

The Playtable

Get hands-on with beauty at the store’s interactive Playtable - a creative space for you to play, discover and experiment with some of the best brands in the business.

The Sampling Station

Discover the Sampling Station, where, when you spend £50 in-store at H beauty, you’ll get to choose two exciting gifts absolutely free.

The Skincare Station

Visit the Skincare Station where you’ll be treated to mini facials and skincare consultations from in-the-know specialists.

The Mask Bar

What better place to pick up supplies for your next masking moment? Drop by for everything from sheet and sleep to hydrating and clarifying masks. Perfect treats for party season pampering!

Discovering fragrance

French for ‘the lab’, Le Labo was born in Grasse in the French Riviera, and raised in New York City in 2006. Today, it continues to grow with new boutiques internationally, one being within H beauty, Gateshead.

There’s something effortlessly cool about the brand, and it strikes you as soon as you see it - whether it’s in the branding, the boutiques or the bottles themselves. That stripped-back, relaxed, industrial style is echoed in the H beauty Gateshead concession.

Purchasing an exclusive fragrance is something of a luxury, and the team at Le Labo are all about promoting that unique experience and ensuring you are a part of the creative process.

Every creation is a meticulously handcrafted composition that blends art and sensuality into pure pleasure. You can expect an educational, theatrical experience as you explore the scents, get to know the brand and fragrances, and then watch as the team create your very own bottle in front of you.

Like all Le Labo stores, the H beauty boutique functions like an open artisanal laboratory designed as an entertainment park for the nose. You can take your time to discover the raw ingredients, awaken the senses and trigger those emotions in a way that only the power of the scent can. The team then hand-blend the signature fragrances to order with a personalised label and messaging.

The core collection is made up of 19 genderless perfumes, 12 candles and a beautiful hair and body range. The brand is all about creating soulful beauty and body care - with luxury craftsmanship, expert knowledge and high quality raw materials at the very heart.

The brand works with a community of expert craftspeople who shape the world we live in; from flower harvesters and family

farms, to candle pourers and reclaimed wood artisans. The slow perfumery is tucked away in the corner of the H beauty store and it’s as cool as it gets when it comes to shopping for a fresh, blended fragrance.

We are greeted and left to discover at our leisure. When we’re ready to learn a little about Le Labo, the team join us for an initial consultation where we go through the collection and what we’re looking for in our fragrance.

Gently guided by the experts, we settle on the signature scent and

Candle Discovery Set, £67

Fresh-blend fragrances, born in the French Riviera and raised in NYC, are now bringing an industrial style, slow perfumery to H beauty, Gateshead. Welcome Le Labo...

best-seller, Santal 33. The first step is to get the scent on the skin, allowing it to settle for a little while and ensuring it’s the best match. Then it’s time to make the fragrance. We’re invited to take a seat and watch the process. An incredibly unique opportunity indeed.

Our personalised label is printed, stating the date, who it has been made by and any names or messaging.

While the technicians are preparing for the perfumery process, we’re offered a complimentary hand massage and a chance to explore the hair and body range.

Next up, the gloves, goggles and aprons are out and the experts get to the good stuff.

The raw materials (sourced in Grasse) are gathered and poured into a beaker. The Santal 33 perfume is made up of alcohol, water and the pre-blended oils (which are kept in the fridge to ensure they’re fresh and kept to an incredibly high quality). This is when the show really begins. The ingredients are then mixed in front of us and transferred into our very own glass bottle. The lid is then sealed and the finished product is mixed once more using the ‘vortex’ mixing machine. The label is attached, presented and packaged in beautifully simplistic brown paper packaging – complete with a thank you note and aftercare information.

Our freshly blended fragrance is bottled, packaged and ready to take home and we’re delighted to have experienced the luxury of crafting a personalised Le Labo fragrance in store.

These are the perfumers we all need to know. A cool, comfortable and incredibly chilled experience in the hands of some incredible craftspeople.

THE BRAND WORKS WITH A COMMUNITY OF EXPERT CRAFTSPEOPLE WHO SHAPE THE WORLD WE LIVE IN; FROM FLOWER HARVESTERS AND FAMILY FARMS, TO CANDLE POURERS AND RECLAIMED WOOD ARTISANS

Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle, £58

Orange Bitters Cologne (100ml), £115

Christmas Ornament, £32

Jo Malone Give the gift of this christmas

Last Christmas we gave you a taste of Jo Malone, and the very next year, we brought you a brand new boutique!

Jo Malone is bringing all of your festive fragrance dreams to life this winter, with the addition of a sparkling new standalone boutique store at Metrocentre - the first of its kind in the region.

After the success of last year’s pop-up, a beautiful new unit now stands proudly in the lower Red Mall, nestled amongst other premium brands

including BOSS, Carvela and Tag Heuer.

The store has had its last lick of paint and is fully-stocked ready for the festive season, ensuring you’re able to pick up those extra special Christmas gifts for loved ones this year.

Best-loved for its unique and extensive range of fragrances and luxury products for the

bath, body and home, you’ll be spoilt for choice - and may even be tempted to treat yourself too. You deserve it! Another wonderful reason to spend the day at the centre as you tick off your lists and spread festive cheer. Here’s a little bit of seasonal inspiration to help you make a start on ticking off those Christmas wish lists...

White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne (100ml), £115

Midnight Musk & Amber Cologne (100ml), £115

Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle, £55

little For ones

Accessorize

Pink Luxe Fur Slider, £12

M&S

Collection Bath Fizzer Set, £10

HomeSense

My First Piggy Bank, £5.99

Boots

Mad Beauty Disney Mandalorian The Child Body Puff, £5

Build-A-Bear Sugar Plum Bunny, £22 LEGO®

Large Creative Brick Box, £44.99

Miniso Roleplay toolbox, £12.50

Schuh

Yellow Converse All Star Eva Lift Hi Girls Junior Trainers, £50

Hotel Chocolat Christmas Jolly Penguin, £8.50

The Entertainer LeapFrog Interactive Learning Easel, £79.99

Have yourself a

little Christmas ‘tech’

Hotel Chocolat The Velvetiser

Take your hot chocolate experience to the next level with the Velvetiser - an in-home hot chocolate system like no other. Create velvety smooth drinks with the touch of a button. The opportunities are endless with this crafty kitchen gadget. With a variety of different colours, you can even match your home. Choose from the likes of black satin, charcoal, copper, white and platinum.

£99.95

Currys

SONOS One Wireless Multi-room Speaker

The music-lover in your life who appreciates good quality sound will love the Sonos One Wireless Smart Sound Speaker. Featuring Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your music, smart devices, check news, traffic and weather updates with your voice.

£199

Lakeland Ember Temperature Controlled Mug

For the person in your life who controls everything via an app on their phone. This smart mug keeps your drink at the perfect temperature no matter how long it takes you to drink it and can all be personalised by the Ember app. No more forgetting about your morning brew until it’s gone cold!

£139.99

Miniso

Wireless White Headphones

Give the gift of wire and hassle free headphones this Christmas. Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, these headphones are super comfortable as well as being sleek and stylish. What’s better? You can expect clear sound quality and a stable connection.

£20

Apple iPad

The all-new iPad is the perfect gift for Apple fans, tech lovers and creatives alike. It’s been colourfully reimagined to be more capable, more intuitive and even more fun. With a new all screen design, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and four vibrant, bold colours, this iPad brings a powerful new way to get things done, create and stay connected.

From £499

Game

Xbox Series X

The ultimate gift for the ultimate gamer! The Xbox Series X is the fastest, most powerful Xbox to date. They’ll love the freedom of this console with the opportunity to play thousands of titles from four generations of consoles with backward compatibility, including optimised titles at launch.

£449.99

Lakeland Beurer Furry Grey Heated Throw

The cosiest gift for the cold spud in the family. Super-soft and furry on one side - smooth on the other, this sumptuous heated blanket is the perfect winter companion. The easy-to-use controller has six heat settings so you can adjust your electric throw to the perfect temperature, and it’s illuminated so it’s easy to find and adjust in the dark. There’s an auto shut-off that kicks in after three hours to keep your toasty warmness at a safe level.

£89.99

The ultimate filler guide

stocking

IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT SECRET SANTA GIFT? LOOKING TO FILL THEIR STOCKINGS WITH THE THINGS THEY LOVE? OR SIMPLY IN NEED OF A PRESENT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED…

Next Christmas Tree Candle

This gorgeous Christmas tree scented candle from Next is perfect for that person in your life who is candle mad. Not only does it smell amazing, but it gives off the cosiest glow - ideal for winter nights in.

£12

Lush Snow Fairy Gift Set

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bundle of Snow Fairy goodies from Lush. This dreamy gift set is ideal for any bath-lover or beauty-fanatic. It’s vegan friendly, it smells amazing and is sure to leave your skin feeling silky smooth… what’s not to love?

£27

Boots

Laura Mercier Wishlist Gift Set

Makeup-lovers are in for a treat with this dreamy Laura Mercier gift set. Everything one could want from Laura Mercier is packed within this dreamy set, including the holy grail Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Pure Canvas Primer and a mini Caviar Stick in rose gold.

£35

Hotel Chocolat

Merry Christmas Signature

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a box of chocolates. This creamy, indulgent box of treats from Hotel Chocolat is sure to put smiles on the faces of any sweet tooth.

£16

WHsmith

The Waiter

The gripping read we’ve all been waiting for! We can guarantee that this award-winning book is sitting high on any bookworm’s wishlist this Christmas. A must!

£7.35

M&S Collection Cosy Socks

Gift the gift of cosy feet this Christmas. We’re not sure about you, but we love nothing more than unwrapping a fresh pair for our feet and these fluffy socks from M&S are

DXB Perfumes

Amber Santal Eau de Parfum Spray, 100ml

Give someone the gift of a glorious fragrance with this opulent essence of amber. Amber Santal will help a loved one set their spirit free. The perfect scent to say I love you.

£110

Monroe Wine Glasses in Navy, £32

Monroe Flute Glasses in Navy, £28

Monroe Tumbler Glasses in Navy, £24

Set of Four Sequin Placemats in Navy, £16

Set of Four Darcy Napkin Rings, £25

Set of Two Organza Chair Bows, £24

Navy Velvet Napkins, £14

Navy Velvet Seat Cushion, £15

Navy Metallic Geo Table Runner, £16

Cotton Linen Blend Tablecloth, from £36

12 Piece Harper Dinner Set in Navy Blue, £70

Set of Three Harper Diamanté Gem Tealight

Candle Holders, £22

next.co.uk

Ingredients Method

AVAILABLE TO INDULGE AT HARRODS CHAMPAGNE BAR, H BEAUTY

Little Scarlet

A generous scoop of Little Scarlet conserve 15ml lemon juice 10ml Campari 20ml Tanqueary No.10

Add ingredients to Boston shaker with ice Shake well Double strain into flute Top with prosecco Garish with a strawberry on the rim

EatSeasonal

Is it even Christmas if you’re not over indulging in festive food and drink - the gift that keeps on giving?

Whether it’s a quick pit stop and a seasonal sandwich or a sit down dinner over a cocktail or two, Metrocentre has got something to whet all appetites. You’ll find independent cafes and coffee shops like Beckleberrys, Petite Delice and Cookery Nook offering a host of festive treats, alongside national favourites such as

Costa, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Muffin Break, Greggs, Bakers + Baristas, Subway and M&S - all offering the best wintry drinks and Christmas menus. Did you know Hotel Chocolat have a cafe serving up the most amazing range of festive hot chocolates for those with a sweet tooth?

If you are looking for something a little more then Metrocentre’s Qube has a wide range of restaurants to satisfy most taste buds - from the original fast

food giants, including McDonalds, KFC and Burger King to the newcomers such as Five Guys, Slim Chickens and the newest kid on the block, Popeyes.

If it’s international cuisine you are after then Metrocentre favourites include everything from A-Z: Ask Italian, Bella Italia, Big Luke’s, Buffet King, Chiquito, Fattoush Lounge, Frankie & Benny’s, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Pizza Hut,

Friday’s, Thaikhun, Wagamama, Wetherspoons, Yo! Sushi and Zizzi.

This year they have welcomed a number of new names, many of whom are new to the North East, including Doppio Malto and H beauty Champagne Bar; and by the end of the year Grounded Kitchen, Tapas Revolution and Wingstop will have fired up their ovens and opened their doors.

DON’T MISS...

H Beauty Champagne Bar

Sit, sip and be merry with friends over a glass of the good stuff at H beauty Champagne Bar. After treating your loved ones, why not treat yourself with a visit to this sparkly new spot? The bar features a stunning menu of eats, treats, signature cocktails, teas and coffees and, of course, plenty of Champagne in a seriously Insta-worthy environment.

Wingstop

There’s another new arrival opening its doors in time for Christmas and it’s covering all bases when it comes to finger lickin’ chicken. Wingstop is the place to be for all things wings. Go here for the finest fried chicken, big flavour burgers, platters, loaded fries and more mouthwatering stuff to satisfy the taste buds this winter!

Grounded Kitchen

The healthy food gurus we’ve all been waiting for. Grounded Kitchen will open its brand spanking Metrocentre doors just in time for Christmas and we can’t wait. The good-for-you Korean-inspired cuisine is perfect for lunch on-the-go, or for over-indulging with loved ones without the guilt. Menu favourites include: Bao Buns, Shichimi Nourish Bowls, healthy ‘Quenchers’ and much, much more.

Doppio Malto

Delicious food, great atmosphere and delightful staff… It’s everything you could want when it comes to celebrating at this time of year. Head to Doppio Malto this winter and discover great beer and authentic Italian food with a twist. This brand-new venue is geared up for the festive season and is ready and waiting to welcome family, friends and colleagues alike. Let the eating, drinking and merriment commence.

Tapas Revolution

Bringing an authentic taste of Spain to Metrocentre, Tapas Revolution will be the new place to enjoy a foodie-fuelled pitstop pre, mid or post-shopping trip. Go here for mouthwatering sharers and small plates, washed down with the finest cocktails, wine, beer or sangria if you’re feeling extra Spanish! The restaurant’s Festive Fiesta menu is an absolute must in the run up to Christmas.

Getting

away

Virgin Atlantic Holidays

When it comes to Virgin’s best-selling winter destinations, New York City needs no explaining - but, if it did, we couldn’t go without mentioning good old Lady Liberty, world-famous Broadway theatres and the breathtakingly beautiful Central Park. Book for next year or book an idyllic last minute city break amongst skyscrapers and unbeatable shopping - you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into your favourite movie!

During the most wonderful time of the year, New York is a-glow with festive cheer. Check out the sparkling light displays, fun festive markets and epic Christmas trees. If a sun-soaked adventure holiday is your thing, Orlando should be top of your list. Dubbed the theme park capital of the world, Orlando never fails to amaze - from the magic of Walt Disney World Resort to the hair-raising ‘coasters of Universal Orlando Resort, there’s something for everyone. Golf fans will be bowled over by its 170+ worldclass courses, and shoppers will be blown away by the designer malls. So, when school is out and you have all the time in the world - use it well, experience an Orlando holiday and don’t miss out on the adventure.

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING INSPIRED FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP. WHETHER IT’S A LAST MINUTE FESTIVE CITY BREAK, AN ACTION-PACKED FAMILY ADVENTURE, OR A FARAWAY BEACH GETAWAY, METROCENTRE’S TRAVEL AGENTS HAVE GOT YOU COVERED…

TUI

TUI’s Mexico holidays cover the country’s two longest shores, the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast. Pair stints on the sand with adventures in rainforest-covered mountains.

Hays Travel

With options to explore almost every corner of the globe all year round, a Hays Travel cruise is the perfect escape for winter sun, summer holidays and last-minute trips. Cruise travel is one of the best value holidays you can take and it starts the minute you step on board, settle into your room, unpack and let your floating hotel take you from city to city, island to island. The beauty of it? Every morning, you wake up in a new place. If you can't decide between St. Lucia, Barbados, Italy or Spain, you can find an itinerary to cover all the places on your travel wish list. Today's modern cruise ships are designed to keep everyone in the family happy. On board you can pamper yourself at the spa or relax by the pool, while there’s sports, gym and games facilities as well as opportunities to learn something new - wine tasting, pottery, yoga, dance, languages - you name it! And of course, the hospitality in top-class restaurants is second to none - plus West End standard shows every evening. The only problem you have to face is which cruise you are going to choose! Pop in and say hello at Hays Travel Metrocentre and let the travel experts guide you on your own dream cruise.

Kuoni

Kuoni has been travelling to the Maldives for over 35 years and have gone out of their way to discover the best and most luxurious resorts around. Crystal-clear lagoons and frosted white-sand beaches come as standard, while bespoke experiences like candlelit dinners and private sandbank picnics make it easy to ramp up the romance for the honeymoon of a lifetime.

One of the special things about the Maldives is that most resorts are surrounded by a house reef, so you can snorkel straight from the beach alongside rainbow-coloured fish, reef sharks and turtles. Diving is a big deal here, too. There’s great visibility and at the best dive sites you can spot astonishing creatures like manta rays and whale sharks.

Kuoni are experts when it comes to handpicking a select range of islands in the Maldives that are perfect for family holidays. Think action-packed children’s clubs, shallow lagoon waters and plenty of fun activities for all the family (or just for the kids if you’d prefer to sneak off to the spa). Speak to a personal travel expert by making an appointment with a member of the Kuoni Metrocentre team.

Family fun

Odeon

With an abundance of new and exciting films scheduled to hit the big screen this winter, head to Odeon and enjoy some much needed family time in front of the big screen. Indulge in popcorn, tuck into mini tubs of ice cream and fill your bag of pick ‘n’ mix to your heart’s content. Metrocentre’s Odeon Cinema is one of the biggest and best in the UK where you can enjoy 17 screens of entertainment, along with the incredible immersion of full RealD, 3D and the brand new laser IMAX cinema experience. Book ahead and enjoy the ultimate big screen experience in the run up to Christmas.

Clip ‘n’ Climb

Little adventurers should head to the action-packed Clip ‘n’ Climb this winter. From a 9-metre high vertical drop slide, tricky rock climbing walls and testing obstacles, this vibrant indoor climbing zone is ideal for tiny thrill-seekers to challenge their motor skills and channel their inner daredevil. Book in advance for a post-shopping treat for little people or as a fun day out for the whole family.

Arctic Experience

Nov - Dec

The Arctic Experience is back for 2022. This year, skate on over to Exhibition Square where the synthetic ice rink, snow machine, ice throne, igloo and numerous photo opportunities await. When signing up to Metrocentre’s database, the ice rink is free of chargeor budding skaters can pay a £2 suggested donation to NorthEast Homeless. If you’re looking to experience all things festive in the run up to the big day, Metrocentre has your Christmas needs covered with this wonderfully fun Arctic Experience.

Namco Funscape

Bowling, arcades and dodgems… need we say more? This fun-filled adventure ground is ideal for families looking to spend the whole day out. Show off your skills on the lane and unleash your competitive side, try your luck and have some fun with a go on the arcade machines - a game of air hockey is always a great shout too. And if that’s not enough, finish your day with a laugh-out-loud round on the dodgems.

Santa’s Festive Forest Experience

17 Nov - 24 Dec

Angry Birds Adventure Golf

Looking for ways to entertain the whole family midshopping trip? Why not flock to Angry Birds Adventure Golf for a fun-filled round of mini-golf. With two 18 hole courses, little golfers and their friends can choose to tee off in either Bird Island or Pigtropolis. With giant characters, quirky obstacles and lots of surprises along the way, you’re guaranteed good times at Angry Birds Adventure Golf.

Father Christmas returns to his Festive Forest Grotto Experience on 17 November. Families looking to embrace the festive season should make sure little ones enjoy this magical experience. Children will have the opportunity to unleash their creative side with their very own gingerbread cookie to decorate with the help of Santa’s elves. Then, families will take a magical stroll through the winter forest decorated with festive lights and a range of animatronic characters to set the scene. At the end of the journey, meet Santa on his sleigh and receive a special early Christmas gift.

Success all round

METROCENTRE HAS UPPED ITS SHOPPING GAME THIS LAST YEAR WITH A NUMBER OF NEW OPENINGS - AND WITH MORE EXCITING PLANS IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2023, THE FUN NEVER STOPS

Over the last year Metrocentre has welcomed a host of exciting new names to its offering with some of the biggest and best international brands, high street favourites and unique independents opening their doors to shoppers. The arrival of H beauty from Harrods has brought with it a host of truly unique and inspiring brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Dr Barbara Strum, Sunday Riley, Le Labo and Anastasia Beverly Hills. It is a must-visit for beauty and makeup lovers of the North East and beyond, stocking the latest beauty brands you won’t find on the high street. From purse-friendly skincare brand, The Ordinary, to a host of Harrods exclusives such as Creed and Roja, and the full Dior Collection Privée range, it’s the ultimate playground to discover skincare, makeup and fragrance.

As well as attracting new occupiers, Metrocentre is working with existing retailers to allow them to refurbish and open regional flagship stores. H&M has recently expanded their Red Mall store, which has allowed them to bring in the hugely popular interiors brand H&M Home. JD have moved into a new store in the lower Platinum Mall, three times the size of their former unit, allowing them to expand their already extensive trainer selection and bring in sports clothing brands

such as On Running and The North Face.

Other notable new lettings include designer childrenswear retailer Kids Cavern and fragrance and skincare brand Rituals, who have opened in the lower Platinum Mall, footwear retailer Carvela has opened in the lower Red Mall and premium sportswear brand Castore in the upper Red Mall.

And as Christmas rolls in, there’s a raft of exciting new names joining the line-up including luxury fragrance brand, Jo Malone

and quality British womenswear retailer, Hobbs.

In terms of food and drink, Grounded Kitchen will be bringing their Korean-inspired Buddha Bowls, and Tapas Revolution are the new go-to when it comes to getting our Spanish sunshine fix. 2023 is set to be even more exciting with Flannels and a new concept Sports Direct set to take the former Debenhams unit. Plus, a host of new names and existing retailers have already signed up to invest in their existing stores. Watch this space.

Going green

WORK IS NOW UNDERWAY ON AN AMBITIOUS NEW PROJECT TO ENSURE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR METROCENTRE

As some of you eagle-eyed visitors may have already noticed on your recent visit, Metrocentre is currently in the process of future proofing the centre with a plan in place to become more sustainable. Stage one is now complete with stage two scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

The second phase of the development sees the installation of solar pv car ports and 46 new EV charging ports in the Green and Blue Mall car parks, following the recent installation of its brand new solar pv rooftop panels covering an area equivalent in size to 88 tennis courts.

With the 46 new EV charging bays delivered and the solar panels fitted above each parking bay, this will allow the retail and leisure destination to provide emissions-free ‘fuel’ for 7,230 electric car miles by the end of the year. Metrocentre is working with

specialist renewable energy and green technology consultant, Syzygy to complete the £2.8m project and is one of the unique schemes to be granted ERDF funding for 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.

It’s predicted by 2030 there will be more than 6.5 million pure electric vehicles on UK roads. Green energy generated by the solar panels at Metrocentre will be enough to power 600 electric cars for a year.

It’s estimated that the electricity generated from the solar panel installation will result in a reduction of 315 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equal to planting 32,500 trees over the system’s 25 Year Lifetime.

Switching to solar energy will also reduce Metrocentre’s grid dependency by 30%, offsetting more than 37% of its total annual electricity use with its own low carbon supply.

Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, Senior Asset Manager for

Metrocentre commented: “This is a really important milestone for us as we head into the next phase of our solar panel project with Syzygy. It’s been inspiring watching stage one progress and come to life and we are very excited about the new opportunities we will soon be able to offer our customers. A solar panel and car port installation of this size has never been seen before in a UK shopping centre and upon completion of the project later this year, Metrocentre

will have the largest solar panel installation of any UK shopping centre.

“We know Gateshead has an ambitious plan to go zero carbon by 2030, so we are proud to be actively working towards this common goal to bring renewable energy to the local community. The project plays a large role in our long-term business strategy for the centre which focuses on sustainability and our place in the region.”

Keep your eyes peeled for what’s next…

Spoil him

Go smart this season with exquisite accessories to complete the ‘suited and booted’ look. A perfect pair of cuff links to help him step into winter in style.

Fraser Hart Tourbillion Cuff Links, £135