The former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre is set to begin a new chapter this November, with part of the large space being transformed into a new indoor market for independent businesses — and applications are now open.
The new market will form part of the wider redevelopment of the Beacon Centre in North Shields, bringing independent businesses, new ideas and enterprise into one of the town centre’s largest former retail spaces.
The first phase will initially provide around 20 purpose-built 3m x 3m trading units, alongside a limited number of larger spaces.
Standard units will start from £100 + VAT per week, with reasonable fair-use utilities included and a minimum three-month commitment.
Importantly, this is only the first phase.
The scale of the former Wilko building gives the project considerable room to grow, with the potential for further trading spaces and other uses to be introduced as the market develops.
Applications are now being invited from businesses and individuals who would like to be part of it from the beginning.
A New Use for One of North Shields’ Largest Retail Spaces
The closure of Wilko in 2023 left a substantial space within the Beacon Centre vacant.
Rather than simply replacing one large national retailer with another, the redevelopment creates an opportunity to use the building differently — opening it up to a collection of independent businesses and new ideas.
The indoor market will be introduced in phases.
Around 20 standard units are planned initially, allowing the market to establish itself while retaining the flexibility to respond to demand and develop further.
The ambition is not simply to create rows of stalls.
The aim is to build a destination with a varied mix of businesses and reasons to visit — somewhere capable of changing and growing over time.
Part of a Bigger Transformation
The market forms part of the wider transformation now underway at the Beacon Centre under the Gill family’s ownership.
The plans look beyond the traditional shopping-centre model, with opportunities for a broader mix of independent retail, leisure, enterprise, social activity and experiences within the centre.
Earlier this year, Beacon Centre owner Tajveer Gill spoke to I Love North Shields about the thinking behind the redevelopment and his ambitions for the future of the site.
WATCH: THE VISION FOR THE BEACON CENTRE
Watch our earlier interview with Tajveer Gill:
The opening of the indoor market will mark another tangible step in that transformation.
What Could You Bring?
The search for the first businesses begins now — and the brief is deliberately open.
Applications are welcomed from independent businesses, traders, makers, creatives, collectors, designers, service providers and entrepreneurs, as well as people developing new business concepts.
There isn’t a fixed shopping list of exactly what should occupy the space.
Instead, applications will be considered as part of the overall mix, with the aim of bringing together businesses that complement one another and give people different reasons to visit.
That also means the team wants to hear the ideas that haven’t been considered yet.
Perhaps an online business is ready to meet its customers in person.
Perhaps a regular market trader wants a permanent base.
Perhaps an existing independent wants another location.
Perhaps someone has been developing an idea but hasn’t found the right space in which to try it.
Or perhaps the scale of the former Wilko building immediately sparks an idea for something completely different.
What could you bring to the Beacon?
That’s the question applicants are being asked.
A More Accessible Route into Physical Trading
For many independent businesses, the jump between trading online, from home or at occasional markets and taking on an entire high-street shop is substantial.
The Beacon market is intended to offer another route.
A standard 3m x 3m / 9m² unit gives a business its own defined physical space while allowing it to operate as part of a much larger destination.
For some businesses, that could be a stepping stone towards something bigger.
For others, this more flexible way of trading could be the long-term model they are looking for.
The minimum three-month commitment gives businesses time to establish their presence and build a regular customer base without immediately taking on the long-term commitment associated with a conventional commercial premises.
Building the Right Mix
The market will be curated rather than allocated simply on a first-come, first-served basis.
That doesn’t mean applicants need to arrive with a large established business.
Quite the opposite.
The aim is to bring together an interesting balance of established independents, growing businesses and new concepts.
Simone Harper, founder of I Love North Shields, has been appointed independently to support the curation and recruitment of businesses for the market.
Harper said:
“The scale of the former Wilko gives us a real opportunity to think differently about what an indoor market can be.
“We’re starting with around 20 trading spaces, but there is room for this to develop. That’s why I’m particularly interested in hearing not only from established independent businesses, but from people with ideas we might not have considered.
“It isn’t about filling every available space as quickly as possible. Getting the mix right matters. We want businesses that give people a reason to come in, explore and then come back.
“If you’ve built something online, trade at markets, already run an independent business or simply have a strong idea you think could work here, apply. Don’t rule yourself out because you don’t fit a particular category.”
Applications Are Now Open
The first phase of the new indoor market is planned to open in the former Wilko at the Beacon Centre, North Shields, in November 2026.
Standard units: approximately 3m x 3m / 9m²
Rent: from £100 + VAT per week
Minimum commitment: 3 months
Utilities: reasonable fair-use utilities included
Larger spaces: available by enquiry and subject to availability
Future phases: room for the market and wider offer to expand as the project develops
Businesses and individuals interested in the opportunity can apply now.
Applicants should provide a short introduction to their business or concept, explain what they would like to bring to the Beacon and indicate the type of space they are interested in.
Existing website and social-media links should be included where available.
New concepts are welcome too.
Apply
Email hello@ilovenorthshields.com
Use BEACON MARKET as the subject line.
Include your name, business name or concept, a brief explanation of what you do, what you would like to bring to the Beacon, the type of space you require and any relevant website or social-media links.
Opening November 2026.
Former Wilko, Beacon Centre, North Shields.
Spaces from £100 + VAT per week. Minimum three-month commitment.
Applications are open now.
Editor’s Note
I Love North Shields founder Simone Harper has been appointed independently as a sole trader to support the curation and trader recruitment for the Beacon Centre’s new indoor market.
I Love North Shields is being used as one of the community and media channels supporting outreach for the project.
