A family-run property investment company is transforming the fortunes of a North Shields shopping centre following £550,000 funding from Unity. Once a thriving hub, The Beacon Centre suffered following the 2008 financial crash and competition from an out-of-town retail park. The Gill Family – a three-generation family business – is turning it into a modern leisure and retail destination. They hope the multi-million-pound project, which will include a new gym, will restore a sense of place for the community.

Director, Taj Gill, said: “My grandfather was introduced to Unity five years ago through his charity work. Unity makes things happen and it’s great to be able to call our relationship manager, Michael Wicks, when we need to. Unity’s loan will enable us to transform a large empty space on the top floor of the centre and turn it into a new gym. This space might have sat empty for years to come without Unity. It will help us bring it back into use for the benefit of the community. Unity’s funding will drive the impact. Without it, this would have just been a ‘nice to do’.”

Impact

Gill Family has an eclectic portfolio of commercial and residential properties across the region. It employs around 180 people and its developments create opportunities for local trades people and contractors. Taj said: “We’re from the North East and we try to serve the needs of the community.”

Taj estimates that 20 years ago, The Beacon Centre was worth several times what it is today and says it needs to pivot to be successful. He said: “With online shopping and retail parks, town centres have too many empty units. This space needs to be repurposed. We plan to return The Beacon Centre into what it was – the heart of North Shields.”

The redevelopment will support the town centre’s overall regeneration. North Tyneside Council invested £12 million in a new transport hub and town square and the local streetscape has had a £3 million upgrade.