Member Article

Pride in the Geordie nation: Tim Lamb speaks to bdaily

General manager of the Metro Centre Tim Lamb has spent his whole life in the North East, so is aware of what the centre has brought to the region since it was built.

“I’m well aware of the issues going on when the centre was being built, and as well as being a commercial success, it has also put Gateshead on the map,” he explains.

It was 25 years ago this weekend that the Metro Centre, the UK’s first out of town shopping centre, opened its doors to the public.

Since then, shopping centres have become commonplace sights throughout the nation, and as the person responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Metro Centre, Tim works to ensure that it retains its strong image.

“We try to understand our competition and the marketplace to ensure we can provide the best environment for retailers.

“Over time retailers have called for bigger units and more space, and while we have endeavored to provide this through the construction of new malls over the years, we have also retained some small units to house a variety of independent retailers.”

Indeed, promoting a sense of community is something Tim feels incredibly strongly about. Often shopping centres can feel sterile and lifeless, something which Tim works constantly to combat.

“Over the past year we have been creating movements of interest including seating areas and art, which can dramatically change the feel of the centre.

“People take shopping, eating and leisure for granted, so by providing points of interest, we can give people a real experience instead of rushing in and out.”

The Metro Centre also contributes to the wider community, through close involvement with several local charities.

“In a corporate sense it’s something we should, but on a personal level, I think its very important to get involved with the local community - I know it’s a cliché but I do think its important to put something back.

“We support the Percy Hedley Foundation, Pathways 4 All – a family centre for disabled children, the Retail Gold education scheme, as well as the Big Sing. By getting involved with these activities, we can really immerse ourselves in the local Gateshead community.”

When we speak, Tim is in the midst of preparations for the celebration of the 25thanniversary of the Metro Centre, which will involve a fairground and firework extravaganza. The pride in his voice is clear as he speaks of the plans for the event.

“Its an honor to be running the Metro Centre at this important time,” he says

“We should be proud of the ‘Geordie Nation’, and I think that the Metro Centre helps to reinforce that feeling of being part of that wonderful thing which is the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .