Elevating the family shopping expedition to extraordinary heights, this destination once held the title of Europe’s biggest indoor theme park – a haven where mums and dads could indulge in retail therapy while the little ones revelled in endless entertainment.
From 1988 onwards, the massive indoor fun park in Gateshead, England, dreamt up by John Hall, drew its blueprint from Canada’s West Edmonton Mall’s Fantasyland attraction. Its doors remained open for two decades of thrills and laughter before shuttering unexpectedly in 2008.
Metroland burst onto the scene at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, England, causing quite a stir as a groundbreaking concept for its era – awash with brilliant colour and echoing with excitement, packed with rollercoasters, attractions and entertainment for youngsters. The £20 million venture revolutionised what constituted a family day out in the region.
View 3 ImagesThe Metroland rollercoaster
Within its walls, guests could brave the Wonderful Wave-Swinger attraction alongside a waltzer, pirate ship, toadstool seats and even a miniature railway. An indoor arcade sat beside a substantial play area featuring climbing frames, nets, slides and a mirror maze.
As the years went on, the park saw several changes, and one of them famously was the huge red rollercoaster being renamed to ‘The New Roller Coaster after it was revamped and painted purple in 1996.
The complex also featured a food court complete with a Burger King, transforming it into a major destination that kept guests entertained for hours on end.
Its goodbye came in 2008, when it marked its goodbye to Gateshead with a farewell weekend on April 20-21, offering fans unlimited ride access for just £5. When the shutters came down at 8pm that final evening, they never reopened.
View 3 ImagesThe Whirly Chair ride at Metroland, Metrocentre(Image: NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE)
Paying tribute to Metroland’s heritage, North East Family Adventures shared photographs of the former attraction on Facebook, prompting a flood of nostalgic recollections from former patrons.
One said: “Metrocentre has no soul now ,lots of empty stores we used to spend hours there with family, now we go to shop, then home.”
Another posted: “Good place many moons ago, it’s a disgrace now, not a place I like to shop, no atmosphere.”
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Meanwhile, one person wrote: “They broke it… took its soul and left it to rot. It’s a chore going to the metro now. Go straight in, get what you need, and then leave. Mostly try and avoid going these days.”
Lease complications and redevelopment schemes led to the park’s demise, with plans for scaled-back family entertainment on the site.
Today, while a cinema, eateries and family-friendly venues occupy the space, they fall short of capturing the enchantment that made Metroland so special.