Gateshead's landmark Metrocentre put up for sale

One of the country's biggest shopping centres has been put up for sale, ahead of a major redevelopment. The owners of the Metrocentre in Gateshead have confirmed the centre has been put on the market to "support the next phase of its development", which includes plans to build thousands of homes around the site. Reports suggest Frasers Group - owned by former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley - is in talks to buy the shopping centre, but the company has declined to comment on any potential interest. A spokesperson for the Metrocentre said the sales process was still in its "early days".