The site, which will reclaim the top floor of the former Debenhams unit in Newcastle, will also encompass additional rooftop space as well, with the owners aiming to offer a diverse indoor-outdoor space for food, drink and music, as well as providing immersive entertainment and is aiming to open in Autumn 2025.
The move is the first expansion by the award-winning brand which first opened in Manchester in 2020 and the new site will offer family-friendly events and global street food by day to high energy DJ sets and live performances at night.
The company said the Newcastle site will host a carefully curated selection of eateries and food traders, including a service-led restaurant, food stalls and a food hall with communal seating under a retractable roof.
Freight Island will also host the UK’s first wine tanks as part of a sustainability-focused single-producer-led wine programme, a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks, and a diverse beer range.
Also on the sustainable front, the company is committed to growing its own produce on site, as well as supporting local suppliers across the North East.
Another key feature of the site will be its purpose-built Music Box—a state-of-the-art venue for live music and touring acts. This will allow Freight Island to host a variety of events, including corporate gatherings, art showcases, theatre, national festivals and international tours.
Dan Morris, co-founder and managing director of Freight Island said: “This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind and we’re delighted to have worked with Pradera Lateral, XPE Group plc and Newcastle City Council to bring it to Newcastle.
“We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30 million to the local economy.
“Newcastle is the perfect location to take Freight Island to the next level. The city is growing rapidly, and Freight Island will play an important part in that by nurturing local talent, whilst bringing our vibrant mix of food, drink, music, and entertainment to this incredible city.
“This incredible venue in the heart of a very special city offers a truly exciting opportunity to create a cultural space that could become a focal point of Newcastle for years to come.”
The addition of Freight Island to Eldon Square is set to be a major catalyst for Newcastle’s regeneration which is being bolstered by a number of significant investments including Newcastle City Council £50 million City Centre Transformation Programme and the extensive Pilgrim Street redevelopment.