Next takes intu Metrocentre BHS site

Fashion and homeware chain Next is to open one of its biggest stores, on the site of a former BHS at intu Metrocentre, Gateshead. Intu is to reconfigure 85,000 sq ft of the mall to accommodate the store, doubling the fashion chain’s existing floor space when it opens in early 2018 at what is the largest shopping centre in Europe. It will encompass space used by BHS’s intu Metrocentre outlet for 30 years until its closure in the summer. A Next Home branch will continue to operate at intu Metrocentre’s retail park alongside the new store. Intu regional director Kate Grant said: “It is a significant investment by Next that alongside our own investment programme and similar expansions by House of Frasier and Primark this year, represents a long-term commitment to intu Metrocentre and the North East region as a thriving retail destination.” The work forms part of an ongoing investment programme at intu Metrocentre which has seen a refurbishment of the shopping centre’s Platinum Mall as well as an extension to its dining and leisure quarter Qube. House of Fraser extended its beauty hall by 2,346 sq ft as part of a £5m refit this year, and the centre’s Primark opened a 7,739 sq ft extension to its ground and first floor levels in the summer. • To send feedback, e-mail amber.rolt@estatesgazette.com or tweet @AmberRoltEG or @estatesgazette