(Image: Freight Island)
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A derelict department store is being reimagined as an "exciting hospitality space" with live music.
Freight Island has announced major expansion plans for its Newcastle venue following a £3million investment from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, managed by Whiterock.
Located in the former Debenhams site at Eldon Square, Freight Island Newcastle currently features a 12-kitchen food market and recently opened its live-fire restaurant WYLD, having opened this month.
(Image: Freight Island)
Dan Morris, managing director at Freight Island, said: "Our mission is to create one of the most exciting hospitality and entertainment spaces in the country.
"The scale and flexibility of the venue allows us to host everything from relaxed daytime dining to major live events and late-night programming within a single destination.
"The Freight Island team has worked closely with Whiterock to secure this investment, which has been invaluable as we transformed our venue in Newcastle from a derelict department store into a unique neighbourhood, enabling us to support emerging talent, welcome touring acts, and collaborate with brands and organisations.
"Freight Island Newcastle will create 300 jobs, nurture creative careers and deliver long-term value, and we're excited for our expansion plans for the venue to take shape."
(Image: Freight Island)
The company plans to launch a new purpose-built live events space, dubbed the "music box," in the first quarter of 2027.
This will be part of broader expansion plans across the UK and Ireland.
Freight Island already operates venues in Manchester, Leeds, and London’s Brixton, with its Newcastle site representing the latest addition to its portfolio.
The £3million investment from Whiterock supported the development of the Newcastle venue.
Jamie Cairnduff, head of portfolio at Whiterock, said: "This is an exciting investment for Whiterock and reflects our continued commitment to helping Northern Ireland founders scale ambitious businesses and become leaders in their industries.
"Freight Island has established a bold and innovative concept, bringing together the very best of live entertainment, music and hospitality."
Northern Irish entrepreneurs Richard Irwin and Stephen Symington have joined forces with Jon Drape and Gareth Cooper, co-founders of big-name entertainment venues such as Broadwick Live, Warehouse Project and Parklife.
The company’s venues also showcase Northern Ireland talent and products, including Titanic Distillers whiskey.