Your business. Your space. Our Common Ground.
Have you dreamed of opening your own shop? Perhaps you’re already selling online, trading at weekend markets or running a successful independent business and looking for somewhere new to grow.
Common Ground could be your next step.
Inside the former Wilko at the Beacon Centre in North Shields, we’re bringing together an exciting mix of independent traders, makers, creatives, food producers and specialist retailers.
This isn’t about filling a building with identical shops. We’re carefully curating a place full of personality, where businesses complement one another, customers discover something different and independent traders can grow together.
With more than 30 businesses already involved, the first phase is taking shape, and we’re welcoming enquiries for the remaining spaces and future opportunities.
YOUR OWN SPACE IN THE HEART OF NORTH SHIELDS
Common Ground offers an alternative to taking on a traditional high-street shop.
Instead of committing to a conventional long-term commercial lease, independent businesses can establish a physical presence in a shared indoor market, with many of the usual building costs included in one weekly fee.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your own identity, meet customers face to face and become part of a wider community of independent businesses.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into retail or expanding something you’ve already built, we want to hear about your ideas.
UNIT SIZES, PRICES AND WHAT’S INCLUDED
STANDARD MARKET UNIT — £100 PER WEEK + VAT
3m × 3m | Approximately 9m²
- Weekly licence fee: £100 + VAT (£120 including VAT)
- Wi-Fi included
- Business rates included
- Service charges included
- Fair-use electricity included
- Access to communal facilities
- Initial 12-week licence commitment
- Monthly rolling arrangement after the initial period
Standard units give independent traders a dedicated space to display products, develop their branding and establish a regular presence.
LARGER UNITS — FROM £200 PER WEEK + VAT
Larger lock-up spaces have been offered from £200 per week + VAT, with individual terms depending on the unit and its facilities.
These larger units have currently been allocated.
You’re welcome to register your interest in future availability or the next development phase.
NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
Adjoining spaces or shared trading arrangements may be considered where the layout and availability allow.
We’re also developing opportunities for short-term pop-ups, creative workshops, exhibitions and visiting traders.
Please contact us to discuss your idea. Pricing and arrangements for these opportunities will be confirmed individually.
WHAT KIND OF BUSINESSES ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We’re creating an eclectic mix of independent businesses, with an emphasis on originality, quality, sustainability and individual character.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from:
- Independent food producers, cheese specialists, delis, teas, spices and preserves
- Vintage, second-hand and sustainable fashion businesses
- Independent menswear and specialist clothing retailers
- Booksellers, vinyl records and music-related businesses
- Artists, illustrators, designers and makers
- Pottery, ceramics, glassware and handmade homewares
- Repair, restoration and traditional craft businesses
- Collectors and specialist retailers
- Creative businesses offering demonstrations, classes or workshops
This isn’t an exclusive list.
If you’re doing something different and believe it would add something special to Common Ground, we’d love to hear from you.
We consider every application as part of the overall mix. We want to avoid unnecessary duplication and create opportunities for businesses to complement and support each other.
MORE THAN A PLACE TO SELL
We want Common Ground to be somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time.
Alongside independent shopping, our plans include communal seating, food and coffee, creative workshops, music, exhibitions and an open gallery space.
We’re creating opportunities for artists, makers and creative professionals to share their skills through demonstrations, workshops and collaborative activities.
Imagine a place where you can browse vintage clothes, discover handmade ceramics, pick up something delicious for lunch, enjoy a coffee, explore an exhibition or simply sit and have a conversation.
A place to shop, meet, make, learn and belong.
We believe successful independent businesses can benefit from working together, sharing audiences, recommending one another and celebrating each other’s achievements.
That’s the community we’re working to build.
GETTING TO COMMON GROUND
Common Ground is located inside the former Wilko at the Beacon Centre, North Shields.
The location offers:
- Access to the Beacon Centre parking garage
- A short walk of approximately two minutes from North Shields Transport Hub and Metro
- Bus and ferry connections
- Accessible facilities
- A dog-friendly environment
Situated in the heart of the town centre, Common Ground is intended to encourage visitors to explore other independent businesses and destinations across North Shields too.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications and expressions of interest are welcome from new and established independent businesses.
STEP 1 — INTRODUCE YOUR BUSINESS
Email simmie@ilovenorthshields.com with the subject:
COMMON GROUND – TRADER APPLICATION
Please include:
- Your name, business name and contact details.
- A short description of your business and what you sell or provide.
- What makes your business different.
- Whether you’re currently trading online, at markets or from another premises.
- The type of space you’re interested in.
- Any specific requirements, particularly electricity, water or food preparation facilities.
- Your website, Instagram or other social media links, if available.
- A few photographs of your products, current setup or business concept, if possible.
Don’t worry if you’re just starting out and don’t have a website or professional photographs.
We’re interested in the person and the idea behind the business.
STEP 2 — COME AND SEE THE SPACE
Shortlisted prospective traders may be invited to visit Common Ground.
You’ll have an opportunity to look around, discuss your business, understand the available space and ask questions.
Viewings are by arrangement. Please email to request the next available viewing date.
STEP 3 — APPLICATION REVIEW
Applications are considered according to the overall mix of businesses, available facilities, suitability for the space and readiness to trade.
Places are not allocated simply on a first-come, first-served basis.
We’re looking for a balanced market where businesses can thrive alongside one another.
STEP 4 — CONFIRMATION AND ONBOARDING
Successful applicants will be contacted about their offer.
The Beacon Centre team will arrange the formal onboarding process, including the unit allocation, licence agreement, payment arrangements and practical requirements for your business.
Once the necessary paperwork is complete, you’ll be given information about accessing and preparing your space.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRADE AT COMMON GROUND?
A standard 3m × 3m trading unit costs £100 per week plus VAT, equivalent to £120 per week including VAT at the standard rate.
The price includes Wi-Fi, business rates, service charges and fair-use electricity.
Larger lock-up spaces have been priced from £200 per week plus VAT, although they are currently allocated.
Pricing for alternative arrangements is available by enquiry.
2. IS THERE A MINIMUM CONTRACT?
Yes. The initial licence commitment is 12 weeks.
After this, the arrangement continues on a monthly rolling basis, subject to the terms of the signed licence agreement.
This is designed to offer a more flexible option than taking on a conventional long-term shop lease.
3. DO I NEED TO PAY ANYTHING UPFRONT?
The current onboarding arrangement requires the first two weeks’ licence fees to be paid after signing the agreement to secure your unit.
For a standard unit, this is £200 plus VAT.
The Beacon Centre will confirm payment details, dates and any other contractual requirements before you sign.
4. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE WEEKLY FEE?
The standard fee covers the agreed trading space, Wi-Fi, business rates, service charges and fair-use electricity.
Your own stock, display equipment, fixtures, branding and any specialist business equipment are generally your responsibility.
Any requirements beyond standard fair-use services must be discussed before your licence is agreed.
5. WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS?
The proposed core trading hours are:
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm.
Traders are expected to operate during the agreed core hours so that visitors can enjoy a consistent market experience.
Any revised opening hours, holiday arrangements or exceptions will be communicated by the Beacon Centre.
6. CAN I DECORATE AND BRAND MY OWN UNIT?
Yes! In fact, we encourage traders to give their space its own identity.
We want Common Ground to be full of individual character rather than rows of identical stalls.
Painting, signage, displays and fittings must comply with the centre’s requirements, and proposed changes should be approved before work begins.
7. CAN I SHARE A UNIT WITH ANOTHER BUSINESS?
Shared arrangements may be considered where appropriate.
Please include details of both businesses in your application so we can assess whether the proposal is suitable.
Any shared arrangement must be agreed as part of the licensing process.
8. CAN I TAKE TWO OR MORE UNITS?
Adjoining units may be considered where space is available and the overall layout allows.
Combined-unit pricing and suitability will be discussed individually.
9. CAN I SELL FOOD?
Yes. Food producers are an important part of the Common Ground mix.
However, different types of food businesses have different practical and regulatory requirements.
Standard market units do not have individual water supplies, sinks or drainage, and cooking is not permitted within these units.
Businesses requiring water, drainage, food preparation or specialist cooking equipment must discuss their needs before applying for a particular space.
All food businesses must meet the applicable food safety and registration requirements.
10. DO I NEED BUSINESS INSURANCE?
Traders should expect to provide appropriate insurance for their business, including public liability cover where required under the licence.
You may also need product liability insurance or other cover depending on what you sell.
The Beacon Centre will confirm the required documentation during onboarding.
11. DO I NEED AN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS TO APPLY?
Not necessarily.
We welcome applications from established retailers, independent makers, online sellers, market traders and people developing a new business idea.
What’s important is that your concept is suitable, you’ve thought about how it will operate and you can meet the trading and licence requirements.
12. WILL I HAVE A SAY IN WHERE MY UNIT IS LOCATED?
We welcome discussions about your requirements and preferences.
However, individual positions are allocated as part of the overall market layout, taking into account the business mix, access, facilities and visitor movement.
A particular unit or position cannot be guaranteed until it has been formally allocated.
13. ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR POP-UP TRADERS?
We are exploring shorter-term trading opportunities as Common Ground develops.
If you aren’t ready to commit to a permanent unit, please get in touch and tell us what you’d like to do.
Future pop-up availability, prices and booking terms will be announced as arrangements are confirmed.
14. CAN ARTISTS OR MAKERS HOST WORKSHOPS?
Absolutely. Creative activities and collaboration are an important part of the vision.
We’re interested in hearing from artists, photographers, craftspeople, designers and other creatives who would like to deliver workshops, demonstrations or community activities.
We plan to offer shared creative space rather than requiring every workshop organiser to rent a permanent unit.
Workshop arrangements, availability and fees will be agreed separately.
15. IS COMMON GROUND ACCESSIBLE?
Accessibility is an important part of the development.
Common Ground is being designed to provide an accessible indoor environment, with access to the wider Beacon Centre facilities.
If you have particular access requirements, please let us know before visiting so the team can advise you.
16. WILL COMMON GROUND BE DOG FRIENDLY?
Yes! Well-behaved dogs will be welcome, subject to the centre’s house rules and any restrictions around food preparation or other designated areas.
17. WILL THE MARKET HELP PROMOTE MY BUSINESS?
Common Ground is being developed as a destination with its own identity and opportunities for joint promotion.
I Love North Shields is a media partner, sharing the transformation of the building and introducing many of the independent businesses taking part.
We also encourage traders to promote one another, collaborate and share their own stories through their business channels.
Individual promotional coverage is not a guaranteed part of the licence.
18. WHEN WILL COMMON GROUND OPEN?
The first phase is being developed with an opening planned for November 2026.
The exact opening date, unit access and setup arrangements will be confirmed by the Beacon Centre as building works and operational preparations progress.
19. WHAT IF THE UNIT I WANT IS ALREADY TAKEN?
Please still get in touch.
Common Ground is being developed in phases, and future opportunities may become available as the project grows.
We can record your interest and discuss whether there may be a suitable opportunity later.
20. WHO IS RUNNING COMMON GROUND?
Common Ground is being developed and operated by the Beacon Centre, owned by the Gill family.
Simmie Harper is working independently on behalf of the Beacon Centre, coordinating trader recruitment, applications and curation.
I Love North Shields is the project’s independent media partner, sharing trader stories and documenting the development.
READY TO JOIN US?
YOUR IDEA COULD BE PART OF WHAT WE’RE BUILDING.
We’re bringing together people who are passionate about what they do, whether that’s selling vintage treasures, creating something by hand, producing exceptional food or offering a service you can’t find anywhere else.
The first phase is taking shape, and we’re continuing to welcome conversations about remaining spaces and future opportunities.
To apply or arrange a viewing:
Simmie Harper
Trader Management & Curation – Common Ground
On behalf of the Beacon Centre
Email: simmie@ilovenorthshields.com
Subject: COMMON GROUND – TRADER APPLICATION
Location: Former Wilko, Beacon Centre, North Shields.
Independent businesses. Shared ambition. One Common Ground.
Come and be part of it.
