Theatre and brewery planned for shopping centre

The £65m plans for Newcastle's Eldon Square include mini golf, go-karting and a roof top terrace

A £65m redevelopment of a city centre shopping centre has been recommended for approval.

Bosses at Newcastle's Eldon Square unveiled designs last year for a major renovation project for the disused former Eldon Leisure Centre and the top floor of the vacant Debenhams store.

The plans include a venue for live music and theatre, an outdoor roof terrace and a microbrewery.

Newcastle City Council’s planning committee will decide if the proposals go ahead on 12 April.

Two separate planning applications for Eldon Square have both been recommended for approval, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The first stage of the revamp would see the top floor of the ex-Debenhams unit turned into a “food, drink, cultural, art and entertainment hub.”

The second stage, for the former Eldon Leisure Centre site, would include the installation of an electric go karting circuit, mini golf, bowling and virtual reality games.

Go-karting and golf

In a report to councillors, planners said the revamp would “broaden the appeal of the city centre for visitors.”

It was also announced last month that the city council, which holds a 40% stake in Eldon Square, would be taking “greater control” over its future under a new arrangement with its owners.

Council directorm Michelle Percy, said the change would give the civic centre “more involvement in the governance, control, and direction” of the square.

A number of shops in the centre closed after the Covid pandemic and because of the shift from high street to online shopping.

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