£6m investment for Metrocentre mall entrance

The Green Mall carpark already includes 50 charging points for electric vehicles

The company which runs Metrocentre says it hopes to spend £6m redeveloping part of the site.

The Metrocentre Partnership has submitted a planning application to Gateshead Council for the Green Mall entrance of the shopping and entertainment complex.

The plans include the creation of three new restaurants across 18,000 sq ft (1,672 sq m) and space for people to sit outside.

Martin Healy, chairman of Metrocentre, described the plans as "a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to drive the revitalisation of the site".

The investment would support long-term growth and prosperity in the region, he said.

"By creating new, sustainable spaces at the centre, we are laying the foundation for continued success," he added.

The plans aim to create a "unique public space", with planter pockets and green walls which build on other green initiatives in the Green Mall car park, including 50 charging points for electric vehicles, most served by solar panels on canopies above the car parking spaces.

'A sense of arrival'

Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said the plans would create "a sense of arrival" at Green Mall and encourage people to visit in the evening.

"Metrocentre continues to evolve, with projects such as the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre, while also making it a greener and more sustainable place," he said.

"We are in early discussions with some top quality operators and look forward to updating further in due course."