Construction of the second phase of Millburngate began in August 1984. Phase I had been developed in 1974; Phase II would increase the centre from 102,000sqft to 187,000sqft. The second phase was linked to Phase I by a covered pedestrian mall. The five storey complex comprised one main floor of shopping, with storage above, and two lower levels of car parking and servicing, offices, and restaurants with views over the River Wear. The remodelling of the existing Presto supermarket, which would provide a link between the Phase I and Phase II developments, could not begin until Presto had moved into a new store within the centre. The new Presto supermarket opened on 2nd September 1986 and the whole centre was completed on 24th October 1986. Millburngate was officially opened on 15th April 1987 by Princess Alexandra. An illustration of the building was featured on a stamp as part of a set produced in 1984 on the theme of Urban Renewal. The complex was later renamed the Gates. It was closed in 2016 and was demolished to make way for Milburngate, a mixed development of office, retail and residential units.
This image was catalogued as part of the Breaking New Ground Project in partnership with the John Laing Charitable Trust in 2019-20.
This is part of the Series: JLP01/10 John Laing Photographic Collection Colour Negatives and Transparencies; within the Collection: JLP01 John Laing Photographic Collection
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Late 20th Century Shopping Centre, Late 20th Century Supermarket, Trade And Commerce
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