Freight Island to launch 60,000 sq ft site in Newcastle

Immersive entertainment venue Freight Island has taken the lease of a 60,000 sq ft site at the popular shopping and dining destination Eldon Square in Newcastle.

Freight Island, which opened its first site in Manchester in 2020, has taken over the top floor of the former Debenhams and has access to additional rooftop space.

It plans to invest £16m into the site which will offer guests food, drink, music and immersive entertainment, with plans to open in autumn 2025.

Dan Morris, co-founder and managing director of Freight Island said: “We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30m to the local economy.

“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 the city, including everything from kids’ raves and Michelin-star level dining to live performances and some late-night parties."

Food and drink will consist of curated food traders, as well as a permanent restaurant with plans to grow its own produce on site and support local suppliers from the North East.

The venue will also host the UK’s first wine tanks as part of a sustainability-focused single-producer-led wine programme, a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar, and a diverse range of beers.

Freight Island will feature a purpose-built Music Box—a state-of-the-art venue for live music and touring acts, allowing the venue to host a variety of events, including corporate gatherings, art showcases, theatre, national festivals and international tours.

Kitty Vaughan, head of UK leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, Eldon Square’s asset management team, said: "Freight Island is more than just an entertainment venue; it’s a transformative project that will enable us to accelerate the performance of Eldon Square whilst celebrating the incredible culture that Newcastle is renowned for. The £16m investment transforms Eldon Square into the beating heart of Newcastle and 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.”