Taj from the Beacon Centre visits businesses in their new Bedford Street premises and shares an encouraging update on construction, relocation and plans for the future.
There has been plenty of change in North Shields town centre over recent months, but the latest update from the Beacon Centre brings some genuinely positive news.
With the shopping centre now closed and construction work moving forward, Taj from the Beacon Centre has been visiting some of the businesses that have relocated to new premises on Bedford Street.
Most of the former Beacon Centre occupiers have now completed their moves—and several say their new locations are already bringing unexpected benefits.
“There’s been a lot of change,” one business owner explains. “We’ve moved out with the rest of the other businesses, and it’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Another trader describes the difference that a brighter, more visible shop has made.
“It’s been so much better. It’s brighter for a start—I get to see daylight—but we also get a lot of new customers and passing trade.”
The business has seen such a significant increase that its small North Shields branch is now outperforming some of its larger city stores.
There are also plans to make more of the new spaces, including a proposed food offering and an area where customers can relax, eat and spend time together.
A new home for Northumbrian Tin Soldier
Taj also visits the future home of Northumbrian Tin Soldier, which is preparing to open in a new unit at the Beacon Centre.
The planned fit-out includes a bar, kitchen and plenty of gaming space, creating something much more than a traditional shop.
Northumbrian Tin Soldier describes itself as “a gathering place first and foremost”—somewhere people can enjoy the hobbies they already love while discovering new interests, meeting new people and making new friends.
The additional space was one of the biggest attractions, alongside the wider investment being made in the centre and across North Shields.
“We’re really happy that Northumbrian Tin Soldier chose to locate at the Beacon Centre,” Taj says. “They’re exactly the type of operator that we’re looking for—one that brings people together.”
It is an exciting glimpse of how the centre could develop in the future, with businesses offering experiences, activities and reasons for people to spend more time in the town centre.
Building momentum in North Shields
The businesses featured in the update also reflect on the wider changes taking place around North Shields.
New seating areas, independent shops, microbreweries, restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are all helping to create a town centre where people can shop, meet and spend time locally.
One trader highlights the value of shopping in person, explaining that independent businesses can often match online prices while also offering personal knowledge, friendly service and specialist advice.
For small businesses, the investment taking place across North Shields is a welcome sign of confidence in the town’s future.
“North Shields is growing as a town centre,” one business owner says. “The investment that’s going in is really encouraging for us as a small business.”
Another adds that North Shields is currently “punching above its weight”—and that the next step is to keep building on that momentum.
The closure of the Beacon Centre has understandably brought a period of considerable change, but this latest update shows that the businesses behind it are not standing still.
They are moving into brighter premises, welcoming new customers, developing new ideas and continuing to invest in North Shields.
And with plans such as Northumbrian Tin Soldier’s new community-focused venue beginning to take shape, there is plenty to feel positive about as the next chapter unfolds.
