‘Go Green’ at MetroCentre
MetroCentre, in partnership with Business in the
Community (BiTC) and the British Council of Shopping Centres
(BCSC), hosted an exhibition aimed at mobilising the general public
into being more environmentally aware and conscientious of the
growing threat of climate change.
The two week event featured interactive display boards identifying 10 key actions that consumers can undertake to limit their impact on climate change, as well as additional displays promoting the ‘green’ messages of other key agencies including the Environment Agency, Great North Forest, National Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
To encourage public participation, numerous interactive elements were included in the event; including giving away environmentally friendly bags, selling trees and getting shoppers to make personal pledges to reduce energy usage or increase household waste recycling. Plans are underway to roll-out this event across other Centres in 2008.
Public Transport Provision MetroCentre, Gateshead
Since 2004, a shuttle bus service has been provided serving the wider MetroCentre area including the adjoining retail park, incorporating Asda and Ikea, and the business park. This service was provided for three years as part of a planning condition for the Red Mall development. During the year we have worked with Gateshead Council and other businesses to ensure the continuation of this service for a further 12 months. The service provides improved access to the wider area for those arriving at MetroCentre’s public transport interchange by bus or train and also reduces the amount of movement between car parks. Between October 2004 and September 2006 more than one million passengers were carried in total.
