Member Article

Retailers begin trading at redeveloped Felling centre

The £5m pound redevelopment of Felling Shopping Centre, in Gateshead, by Caddick Development and Helmsley Group has taken a major step forward as retailers begin trading.

Breathing new life into the area, the transformation of the former housing office and Co-op supermarket will create 35,694 sq. ft. of retail space, becoming an exciting new destination for retailers and shoppers.

Based on Crowhall Lane, phase one of the regeneration comprises six units and is home to Subway, Boots, Card Factory, Greggs and a local taxi operator. The developer will continue to work on phase two of the site which will welcome Asda to the shopping centre in early 2016.

Councillor Mary Foy, Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “This long awaited development is another example of a major private sector investment in Gateshead. It will provide new jobs, at a time when they are desperately needed, and will be a major boost to Felling for the existing and new retailers and for shoppers too.

“This development is the fourth major town centre development carried out in Gateshead during the last five years and is proof of how hard Gateshead Council is working to build a positive future for Gateshead.”

Myles Hartley, managing director at Caddick Developments, added: “The strength of experience in our joint venture team together with the experience of Caddick Construction provides a clear indication of the design and build quality at Felling Shopping Centre. We are hugely excited to complete phase one of the development and to see our aspirations for the scheme come to life over the coming months with the final phase.”

Dean Johnson, Asda store manager, said: “It’s great to see the Felling Shopping Centre come together and phase one - retailers begin to trade. Asda is excited to join the Centre, complete the scheme and join the Felling community.”

John Reeves, Chairman of The Helmsley Group said: ’This scheme has been a long time in the making, there have been many obstacles to overcome in order to get this development progressed and it is great to see the culmination of four years of hard work finally come together with stores opening.

“We are grateful to Gateshead Council for their assistance in bringing this scheme to fruition, they have worked with us to ensure that a successful scheme has been delivered and along with our development partners, Caddick Developments, we are excited to see the impact on Felling High Street that this re-development has the potential to facilitate.’