Freight Island rooftop to open in former Newcastle Debenhams

Freight Island is preparing to launch a new “innovative cultural destination” in Newcastle as it transforms part of the rooftop of the shopping complex Eldon Square. 

The 60,000 sq ft space will be home to a range of food and drink offerings, music, and immersive entertainment in the heart of the city centre. 

From family-friendly events and global street food by day to high-energy DJ sets and live performances by night, the unique space is earmarked to open this autumn. 

New concept art has showcased how the exciting new development will look, which will also be home to the UK’s first wine tanks and a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar.

Another key feature will be a purpose-built Music Box, a state-of-the-art venue for live music.

This will allow Freight Island to host a variety of events, including corporate gatherings, art showcases, theatre, national festivals and international tours.

Fans of Freight Island will recognise the firm from its award-winning site in Manchester, which launched in 2020. 

The former Debenhams store (Image: LDR)

One of its standout elements is its drink and food options, and Newcastle will be no different, including global street food stalls, a restaurant overseen by an executive chef, and a food hall with communal seating under a retractable roof.

Freight Island is also committed to growing produce on-site and supporting local suppliers, with the sustainable approach being “central to the mission of creating a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious venue” that will also provide hundreds of jobs.

Dan Morris, Co-founder and Managing Director of Freight Island said: “This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind. 

“We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30 million to the local economy.

“This incredible venue in the heart of a very special city offers a truly exciting opportunity to create a cultural space that could become a focal point of Newcastle for years to come.

“Freight Island Newcastle will take inspiration from some of the world’s leading social and entertainment spaces, and the venue will bring a mix of cultural and immersive experiences to Newcastle, including everything from kids’ raves and Michelin-star level dining to live performances and some late-night parties.”

Kitty Vaughan, head of UK Leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, Eldon Square’s Asset Management team, added: “Our vision for Eldon Square is to transform it into the beating heart of the city centre and the arrival of Freight Island will create a unique space that goes beyond retail, food and drink, blending music, culture, and community to create something truly unique for Newcastle. Securing this £16 million investment is an important building block in our ambitious growth plans for the centre.”

Cllr Dan Greenhough, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for economy, jobs and skills, said: “The launch of Freight Island at Eldon Square marks an important moment in the transformation of Newcastle city centre and is something that I’m sure our residents will be incredibly excited about.

“Our city is recognised globally for its leisure offering and nighttime economy, and this strategic investment in the shopping centre will ensure that we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors seeking high-quality experiences.

“The opening of Freight Island comes at a time of significant development and regeneration for Newcastle and will no doubt stand out as prime example of our city’s continued growth and success.”

The addition of Freight Island to Eldon Square is set to be a major catalyst for Newcastle’s regeneration, which is being bolstered by a number of significant investments.

Freight Island says it’s long-term lease at Eldon Square represents a “significant commitment to Newcastle”.

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Dan Morris, co-founder and MD, added: “Newcastle is the perfect location to take Freight Island to the next level. 

“The city is growing rapidly, and Freight Island will play an important part in that by nurturing local talent, whilst bringing our vibrant mix of food, drink, music, and entertainment to this incredible city.”

You can find out more from @freightislandnewcastle on Instagram.