The Metrocentre Partnership has recorded a robust festive trading period at Metrocentre, with increased footfall and standout trading days, underpinned by the success of 2025 openings, generating strong momentum into 2026.
Boxing Day delivered an exceptional performance for Metrocentre, with footfall finishing 7.6% ahead of the same day in 2024, significantly outperforming the national average of 4.4% (BBC) for shopping centres and high streets across the UK.
This uplift was echoed throughout December, with several high-performing trading days delivering an annual footfall of over 16m visitors, a 1.5% increase on 2024. The Metrocentre Partnership says this footfall growth is a reflection of the successful leasing strategy which has, over several years, brought about evolution of the tenant mix, ensuring a combination of retail, F&B, leisure and alternative uses that resonates with its broad catchment across the North East.
The centre has delivered growth across all key performance indicators, with increases in dwell time, spend, and conversion, building on a transformational year for Metrocentre in 2025. This momentum has been driven by a programme of new openings, targeted investment, and continued confidence from leading national and international brands. Metrocentre elevated its offer with regional debuts for brands such as Stradivarius and Activate, plus standout openings for Urban Outfitters, Søstrene Grene, Diamond Factory and Maki & Ramen. The destination also announced a UK exclusive for Peppa Pig: Surprise Party, set to open in the coming months, as well as KENJI, highlighting its role as the go-to destination in the region.
Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: “We have ended 2025 on such a high, with strong leasing activity and continued investment across the scheme from the owners and brands. This work done in the last 12 months will really take hold in 2026, with several openings on the horizon and a continuation of our strategy to diversify uses, maintaining Metrocentre’s position as the leading destination in the region by providing even more reasons to visit.
“That strategy is one that is rooted in longevity; we want the best brands, the best experience, and we want this to continue for years to come. These festive results speak volumes about the progress we have made and will continue to make, as we uphold our reputation in and importance to the North East.”
Alongside new openings, 2025 also saw significant brand and landlord investment, including a series of upsizes, relocations, and refurbishments. Highlights included Boots’ refurbished 40,000sqft store in Green Mall, and Superdrug’s relocation to a new 10,000 sq ft unit in Red Mall, boasting its new store format.
