Two stores synonymous with the North East have announced they are opening in the Metrocentre.

Greggs and Newcastle United will both open stores in Upper Town Square, and are set to welcome customers later this year.

This is part of the centre's drive to work with local businesses and attract more visitors.

Greggs, known for its pasties and sausage rolls, will open its new larger store before Christmas, which is more than double the size of their current largest shop in Yellow Mall.

The new Greggs will have 89 seats, giving customers more space to enjoy their food.

(Image: Greggs) Next door, Newcastle United is set to open a flagship club shop which will aim to be the 'go-to spot' for all Newcastle United merchandise, including the latest official kit manufactured by Adidas.

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Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset managers of Metrocentre, said: "We are pleased to welcome two of Newcastle’s most iconic institutions to Metrocentre’s Town Square.

"The addition of new flagship stores for both Newcastle United and Greggs, adjacent to the soon-to-open NHS Community Diagnostic Centre, is a great boost for this location and we look forward to seeing them open for peak trading."

Gillian Long, retail operations director at Greggs, said: "We are delighted to be opening a new, larger format Greggs in the heart of Metrocentre’s Town Square.

"This location will offer customers more space to enjoy their Greggs favourites and the ideal location for a pit-stop on a day out."

Peter Silverstone, Newcastle United’s chief commercial officer, said: "Our ambition is to bring Newcastle United supporters even closer to the club through a best-in-class retail experience.

"Opening a new Metrocentre store is the next step in that journey.

"It re-introduces the club to an iconic and much-loved shopping destination, and positions our retail offering alongside other leading international brands."

This news comes after River Island announced a major refurbishment at Metrocentre, revitalising its largest North East store with modern technology.