[4] In early 1984, the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead helped to host an exhibition at a local hotel to draw attention to the proposed scheme.

To the surprise of all involved, over 1,000 visitors, including the top retailers in the UK, Marks & Spencer, Burton, Boots, Sears, BHS, House of Fraser and Littlewoods came to the North East to view the exhibition and express their interest in the development.

The refurbishment programme at the time also included the construction of a new Transport Interchange, sited at the edge of the Blue Mall, replacing the former bus station.

[8] The Metroland indoor funfair closed in April 2008, and the area, along with the neighbouring Clockworks Food Court, has since been refurbished to become Metrocentre Qube.

With this, The New Metroland and Megabowl were closed for the accommodation for the new scheme, and by May 2009, the Qube opened, with restaurants like Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s, Yo!

The small piece, named “Outside In” by local artist Stephen Newby is made up of four blown stainless steel cubes.

In November 2009, a Namco Funscape amusement centre opened in the Lower Qube, with 18 ten-pin bowling lanes, the fastest Dodgem Track in Europe, a children’s soft play area and more.

Autumn 2010 saw a mixed TK Maxx and Homesense store open on the site of the former cinema in the Lower Blue Mall.

[13] On 26 October 2020, it was announced that Sovereign Centros was to oversee asset management of the centre on behalf of owners Metrocentre Partnership, following the collapse of intu.

Other major retailers include: Boots, Hotel Chocolat, Poundland, WH Smith, Ann Summers, Lush, Waterstones, Lego, and Apple.

The centre's leisure facilities, which are mainly located in the Qube / Yellow Mall, consist of an Odeon cinema and Namco Funscape, Clip & Climb, Treetop Golf and Escapologist Escape Rooms.

Namco Funscape is located on the lower floor, and is a family entertainment centre including an 18-lane ten-pin bowling alley, dodgem ride and soft play.

The 40,000 sq ft gym includes a full size boxing ring, spin studio, yoga room, saunas and ice baths.

Renamed The New Metroland following refurbishment works by operators Arlington Leisure in 1996, it was Europe's largest indoor amusement park until its closure in 2008.

The park's main rides included a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, pirate ship, waltzers, a miniature railway and dodgem cars.

The retail area includes drive-thru Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Starbucks, as well as a Toby Carvery and Burger King.