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Council planners in Newcastle have given the go-ahead for a £65million project that would transform a major shopping centre. The works are set to breathe new life into Eldon Square, bringing a rooftop terrace packed with eateries and an "amusement centre" and to the long-established shopping hotspot in the heart of central Newcastle.

The plans have been accelerated after major high street names like Debenhams vacated the shopping centre leaving large units empty. The uptick in empty commercial spaces was blamed by planning officers on changing shopping habits that were heightened by the Covid lockdowns, ITV News reports.

Councillors at Newcastle City Council were told that plans for what had been the Debenhams unit turned into a "food, drink, cultural, art and entertainment hub".

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The first phase of plans for the site, which is part-owned by the local authority, would see the first floor of what had been the occupied by the department store turned into a "food, drink, cultural, art and entertainment hub" with a roof terrace.

Planning documents suggest this would include "partial removal of roof fronting to Blackett St to create outdoor terrace garden".

Bottom floors will be occupied by new shops, brining more paying customers back to the area. Councillors were told that this first phase would create 350 new jobs, attract an extra 780,000 visitors and pump £11.24 million into the local economy, as per the outlet.

The second stage of approved works will see the former site of the Eldon Leisure Centre site turned into an "amusement centre" installed with a variety of theme-park- style attractions including mini golf, an electric go karting circuit, VR games and bowling.

These redovelopments are expected to add another 210 jobs and £8.84 million to the area's economy. Work on realising the plans is expected to begin "immediately" following an April 12 meeting where it was given the greenlight.

Speaking afterwards, Michelle Percy, the city council's director of growth and investment, said the local authoritiy's "vision for Newcastle city centre is a place that is economically strong, inclusive, and sustainable in which residents can be proud".

"This £65m of new investment in Eldon Square is proof of the diversification of the city centre providing a boost to culture, leisure and entertainment offering live music, dance, and performances," she added.

The terrace, complete with several bar and kitchens is planned to open in June, ahead of the World Cup, screening matches as the England men's team look to end nearly 60 years of hurt.

The second phase of the project is set to open later this year. An official opening date for phase 2 doesn't appear to have been announced yet.