Intu has submitted a planning application to refurbish and redevelop two of the malls within intu Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle. The proposal outlines intu’s plans to create a destination dining quarter, providing 21 new catering units within the current Sidgate and High Friars malls.
The new dining quarter will be a covered family dining space set over two levels within the heart of Newcastle city centre, incorporating the stunning Grade II listed facades and views over Old Eldon Square, Greys Monument and the Grainger Town Conservation Area.
The new offer will bring diverse casual and fine dining operators to the city centre. Many operators have already expressed great interest in the project, and are looking to use this scheme to bring brand new catering concepts to the UK and Newcastle.
Martin Breeden, asset management director for intu said: “Newcastle is a vibrant city and intu Eldon Square occupies the prime pitch with an annual footfall of 36 million. We want to deliver high-quality catering which will meet the high demand from our shoppers. Intu Eldon Square will become an even better place for people to spend quality time together and we are looking forward to bringing some great new names and concepts to the city.”
Newcastle is already a UK top ten retail city and the enhanced catering offer will encourage more people to visit Newcastle city centre from surrounding area and stay for longer.
It is expected that works will start on site in early 2014 for an opening around Easter 2015.