The former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre is being transformed into a new indoor market, bringing together independent businesses, makers, vintage traders, creatives and specialist retailers under one roof.
Something exciting is taking shape in the heart of North Shields.
Inside the former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre, work is underway to create Common Ground, a new destination for independent trading, creativity and community.
The project is being developed by the Beacon Centre, with plans to bring new life to a large retail space and create opportunities for small businesses to establish a physical presence in the town centre.
Rather than simply filling an empty building with market stalls, the ambition is to create somewhere with its own identity. A place where people can discover interesting businesses, meet the people behind them, find something unexpected and enjoy spending time.
And importantly, a place that can grow and evolve with the people who use it.
CURATING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
I Love North Shields founder and editor Simmie Harper has been brought on board by the Beacon Centre to lead trader recruitment and curation for Common Ground.
This is a separate role from her work running I Love North Shields, although her experience of working with local independent businesses, organising vintage markets and building community connections has helped shape her approach.
Simmie explains:
“Through I Love North Shields and our vintage markets, I’ve met so many people with incredible businesses, skills and ideas. Some are already established, while others have been trading online, at weekend markets or working from home.
“What interests me about Common Ground is the opportunity to bring those people together in one place, give them somewhere to grow and create an environment where they can support one another.
“I’m working on behalf of the Beacon Centre to find and curate the businesses that will make Common Ground what it becomes. It’s not about filling every available space as quickly as possible. It’s about finding the right mix of people.”
MORE THAN A TRADITIONAL MARKET
The first phase of Common Ground is being developed across two main halls, with plans for 32 standard trading units alongside larger spaces.
The mix being developed includes vintage and preloved fashion, antiques, interiors, independent designers, jewellery, artists, makers, specialist retailers, food producers and services.
There are also plans for communal seating, a café, workshops and activities, creating opportunities for people to visit for more than just shopping.
Sustainability, reuse and individuality are important parts of the vision.
Rather than rows of identical stalls selling similar products, the aim is to encourage businesses with their own specialisms, personalities and stories.
A vintage clothing trader might sit alongside a record seller, an independent maker, a furniture restorer or a specialist shop offering something rarely found on the high street.
It’s this variety that could make Common Ground an interesting place to explore.
FROM MARKET STALL TO FIRST SHOP
For many independent traders, opening a conventional high street shop is a huge financial commitment.
Rent, business rates, utilities, deposits and fitting out a premises can make taking that first step difficult, even for a business with a loyal customer base.
Common Ground is designed to offer a more accessible route into physical retail.
Standard units measure 3m x 3m and cost £100 per week plus VAT, including Wi-Fi, business rates, service charges and fair-use electricity.
Larger and adjoining spaces are also available, and sharing a unit may be possible by agreement.
The initial commitment is 12 weeks, followed by a monthly rolling arrangement.
The idea is simple: to give independent businesses an opportunity to test, establish and grow their presence without immediately committing to a conventional shop lease.
For some, it may become a permanent home. For others, it could be a stepping stone towards opening their own shop in North Shields.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STALLS
One of the most interesting parts of developing Common Ground has been meeting the people who want to become part of it.
Applications and viewings have brought forward an extraordinary range of businesses, from experienced traders and established independent retailers to people considering opening their first physical shop.
Some have spent years building their businesses online. Others have worked in completely different industries and are now exploring the possibility of doing something they’ve always wanted to do.
There are people making things by hand, collecting and restoring vintage pieces, developing specialist product ranges and looking for ways to turn their skills into a sustainable business.
Each arrives with a different story.
And those stories are just as important as the products they sell.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is hearing why people want to do this,” says Simmie.
“Sometimes it’s about growing an existing business. Sometimes it’s about changing direction or finally taking a chance on an idea.
“I want people to feel proud of what they’re building and to see themselves as part of something bigger. When independent businesses work together, share ideas and recommend one another, everyone has an opportunity to benefit.”
A NEW USE FOR A FAMILIAR BUILDING
The former Wilko was once a familiar part of everyday shopping in North Shields.
Its transformation into Common Ground represents a different approach to using large town-centre retail spaces.
Instead of relying on one national retailer, the building will accommodate a collection of smaller, independently operated businesses.
The Beacon Centre is overseeing the redevelopment, building works and operation of the premises, while Simmie’s role focuses on developing the trader community, curating the business mix and helping communicate the project to the wider public.
Work is continuing on the interior layout, individual units and shared spaces, with the first phase working towards opening in November 2026.
The wider ambition is to create a destination that encourages people to visit the town centre, discover new businesses and spend more time in North Shields.
BUILT AROUND PEOPLE
North Shields has a long history of trade, enterprise and people making a living through their own skills and determination.
From the Fish Quay and its maritime industries to independent shops, markets and family businesses, trading has always been part of the town’s identity.
Common Ground offers an opportunity to carry some of that spirit forward in a contemporary way.
Its success will depend not only on the building or the number of units occupied, but on the people who trade there, the customers who support them and the relationships that develop over time.
The aim is to create a place where independent businesses can put down roots, new ideas can be tested and visitors can discover something different every time they return.
FOLLOWING THE COMMON GROUND STORY
As Common Ground develops, I Love North Shields will be following the transformation and introducing some of the independent businesses, makers and creative people becoming part of the project.
We’ll be sharing their stories, exploring their work and documenting how this former high street store is being given a new purpose.
Common Ground is a project developed and operated by the Beacon Centre. Simmie Harper is working on behalf of the Beacon Centre in trader management, recruitment and curation. I Love North Shields is an independent local media platform and is not the owner or operator of Common Ground.
INTERESTED IN JOINING COMMON GROUND?
Applications and enquiries are welcome from independent businesses with distinctive products, specialist skills or creative ideas.
Location: Former Wilko, Beacon Centre, North Shields
Standard units: 3m x 3m, from £100 per week + VAT
Proposed trading days: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm
Next trader viewing: Thursday 22 October 2026, 9am–12pm
For trader enquiries, contact:
Simmie Harper
Trader Management & Curation – Common Ground
On behalf of the Beacon Centre
hello@ilovenorthshields.com
07510 623034
This article is part of I Love North Shields’ ongoing coverage of independent business, town-centre development and everyday culture in North Shields.
