(07 Jan 2025, 7:49 pm)MurdnunoC wrote I think the main problem is that it's received little-to-no investment over the years. It's pretty much the same since it opened around the dawn of the millennium whereas Dalton Park has expanded to include regular shops in addition to its outlet offering. I don't think Dalton Park necessarily takes away the demand as, unless you live along the A19 corridor, it's not the easiest place to get to from the North of the Tyne, and, there's the added cost of using the Tyne Tunnel even if you do live close to the A19.   

Sewage and the stench of the Tyne aside (both of which I've never really noticed, tbh - must have always been there on a 'good' day), I think the Royal Quays potentially has more going for it than Dalton Park. As mentioned, it's got the ferry terminal close by with international visitors arriving and departing daily, and it's also got the space to expand if the empty brownfield site next door was acquired. Whilst current and historic transport links have never been great, there's room from improvement, and it's only a short walk from Percy Main Metro (a walk I've done many times by walking down the cut that takes past the football and cricket grounds - 10 mins approx). 

Personally, I would say the difference between Dalton Park and Royal Quays is in the way they've been managed since their conception. DP has expanded whilst RQ has almost contracted.

Aye some valid points there. On paper I definitely agree it's a better location than Dalton Park tbf. 

The investment I agree 100% though it's bleak. Dalton Park isn't particularly great either imo compared to the likes of York and Livingston either there mind. 

Guess it's all about feasibility from the shops though as most will probably see the North East as one and won't want two units, not to mention the local area around The Royal Quays isn't exactly the best. I'm not sure I'd want to own a Molton Brown shop there just to pick something as most my stock would be going out the front door and the place so ill designed there's numerous spots you could bolt with it aswell. 

Can't see a future for it personally as it basically needs to start from scratch and if your doing that you might aswell do it somewhere else. 

That whole area is prime for a major housing development with half the abandoned office blocks and bowling alley being part of it - the bowling alley ideally being promoted to move into North Shields or somewhere similar to boost that since that place is just as bad. Wilko unit?