The redevelopment will bring new leisure and dining facilities to the city centre, with work expected to start immediately. The transformation is designed by Newcastle City Council to attract tourists, re-purpose unused space, create over 500 jobs, and generate an additional £16 million per year for the city’s economy.
The transformation is designed by Newcastle City Council to attract tourists, re-purpose unused space, create jobs, and generate £16 million per year for the economy.
The first stage of the redevelopment, initially unveiled at the end of last year, would transform the top floor of the former Debenhams unit, which has been vacant since 2021. The plans include an outdoor roof terrace, a microbrewery, a theatre, and a live music venue, turning it into a hub for food, drink, art, culture, and entertainment.
Part of the plans includes removing a section of the roof and replacing it with a retractable structure. An additional mezzanine roof terrace will allow guests to enjoy open-air dining. Additionally, Eldon Square’s Next store is planned to relocate to part of the former Debenhams unit.
The second stage of the renovation project would include the redevelopment of the vacant Eldon Square Leisure Centre site, with plans to create a family leisure and entertainment attraction that covers more than 120,000 square feet. This would include installing a mini golf course, batting nets, bowling, virtual reality games, and an indoor electric go-karting circuit.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the redevelopment proposals on 12 April.
Eldon Square also announced the arrival of beauty brand Sephora’s fourth UK store, set to open in Autumn 2024.
These redevelopment plans come after Eldon Square saw the closure of many businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic
These redevelopment plans come after Eldon Square saw the closure of many businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 200,000 square feet of units in the shopping centre currently standing empty.
