M CORE TRANSFORMS RETAIL CENTRE IN WASHINGTON IN TIME FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

 M The Galleries, Washington,  is preparing to mark its 50^th anniversary this month (23^rd July) with a new brand and an enhanced tenant line-up.

The centre, which was acquired by national commercial property and investment collective, M Core, in 2022, has undergone a number of significant changes in the last two years.

Following major investment into the scheme, over 25 new tenants have taken units at the centre including B&M, Trespass and Deichmann, alongside a number of local independent brands. Meanwhile, the scheme’s former marketplace is undergoing a redevelopment to create four larger units, three of which have been let to JD, Pure Gym and restaurant operator, Loungers. Work is also underway on a new Starbucks Drive-Thru, which is due to open in September.

Situated equidistant to Sunderland, Newcastle and Durham, M The Galleries holds a prime location in the North East of England with excellent transport links. Further to this, M Core, which has invested heavily in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across its portfolio, has opened eight new PoGo 200Kwh ultra-rapid EV charging points at the scheme. A further 14 charging points will follow later in the year.

This month marks 50 years since Princess Anne officially opened the centre in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Earlier in the year, the scheme was rebranded as M The Galleries with updated signage installed across the centre as part of M Core’s European-wide signage rollout.

Simon Eatough, Director and Asset Manager at LCP, part of M Core, said: “M The Galleries has always been a key retail destination in the North East, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. It’s been a great two years since we acquired the centre in which we’ve seen major tenants join the scheme and, with the marketplace redevelopment already underway, this is set to continue.

“As the centre celebrates 50 years in the heart of Washington, we’re committed to strengthening the scheme further. With a strategic leasing plan, evolving tenant mix and a focus on customer experience, we’re confident that M The Galleries will continue to thrive.”

To find out more about M Core, please visit mcoreproperty.com.