Metrocentre's new independent shopping and leisure hub, The Crescent, is set to open in early July, and its first signed tenant has been announced: local coffee sensation Café Filto. The hub, located in the former Forum area connecting the Blue Mall and Green Malls, will feature up to 10 newly refurbished retail units and a central coffee hub.
Café Filto to Anchor The Crescent
Café Filto, which already operates three venues in Sandyford, Fenwick Newcastle, and Durham city centre, will occupy the flagship spot at the heart of The Crescent. The brand is known for its signature iced matcha, coffee cans, tasting flights, and new summer specials including mango sticky rice matcha and chocolate banana bread latte, as well as loaded acai bowls, cakes, sandwiches, and light bites.
Dominic Johnson, owner of Filto, said: “The vision for The Crescent really resonates with us, and we see Café Filto as a natural fit for the space. Being positioned at the heart of this new hub gives us a great opportunity to connect with an expansive mix of people throughout the day, while creating a relaxed space where customers can pause, meet and linger. Being an independent operator ourselves, it is fantastic to be able to sit alongside like-minded brands that align with our long-term goals and ambitions.”
Over Half of Units Already Under Offer
The Crescent offers around 10,000 sq ft of space dedicated to supporting small and start-up businesses. More than half of the available units are already under offer, with more independent retailers expected to be announced soon. Noah Knapton, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: “The motivation behind The Crescent is two-fold: we’re looking to support and celebrate small and start-up businesses, and, in doing so, enhance the customer experience by attracting more of the local independents that we know, from the ongoing success of The Village in Blue Mall, our visitors love. Launching with Café Filto at the heart of the action is a hugely positive start, bringing one of the hottest names on the North East foodie scene to Metrocentre and helping drive customers of all ages into the new retail space.”
Village-Like Atmosphere
Metrocentre Partnership has transformed the area to create a warm, welcoming space with a village-like feel, offering a slower, more sociable shopping experience. The Crescent will provide a platform for a new generation of independent retailers from the region and beyond.
