Middleton Grange enjoys festive footfall boost

A Hartlepool shopping centre has reported a significant rise in visitors over the festive period.

Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, which was taken over by the Hartlepool Development Corporation in early 2024, saw total footfall climb to 601,226 in December 2024, marking an 8.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year. 

Bosses say festive attractions such as Santa’s Grotto and the Hartlepool Giving Tree, as well as the shopping centre’s “diverse retail offering”, contributed to the seasonal uplift.

Nik McDonald, centre manager, said: "We are delighted to see such strong footfall numbers in December, reflecting the vibrancy and popularity of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre. 

“Our festive initiatives, coupled with a diverse retail offering, have truly resonated with our visitors. 

“We have already enjoyed a strong start to 2025, and look forward to continuing this momentum throughout the year.”

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation chair, added: “The success of Middleton Grange is essential to our plan to ensuring Hartlepool town centre is a vibrant and attractive place for people to visit, shop and relax.

“It’s great to see we are already making progress in growing visitor numbers and that the centre enjoyed such a fantastic festive season on which we will build in 2025.”

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