Metrocentre Advance £2.8m Zero-Carbon, Solar and EV Charging Project

The Client

Metrocentre in Gateshead is one of the UKs largest shopping and leisure destinations. Featuring over 270 retail brands, an array of leisure facilities and over 60 places to eat and drink, Metrocentre welcomes over 14.4 million visitors a year.  

The Centre takes its commitment to the environment seriously and has implemented an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) certified to ISO 14001 standards. In 2023 it undertook a major project to help tackle the climate emergency. This saw £3.1m invested in the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) installation on a UK shopping centre, comprising 3,576 solar PV rooftop and carport panels that if laid end-to-end would cover 7.5km. The project, which won the Sceptre Awards Sustainability Initiative of the Year in 2023, will save the equivalent of 5,750 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 25 years, equal to planting 10,000 trees annually, and reduces the Centre’s anticipated grid dependency by around 15%.

Metrocentre has a long-term strategy focusing on sustainability and responsible retail asset management. It commissioned renewable energy and low carbon technology consultants, Syzygy Consulting, to scope and manage the multi-million pound project, including commercial, technical and construction management, from start to finish. This project was made possible by securing 50% funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  

Charging for electric vehicles (EVs) plays a key role in Metrocentre’s sustainability strategy and the project also includes 15 solar canopy chargers or car ports. Mer was selected by Syzygy to provide a mix of 7kW and 22kW AC charge points.  

“Increasing numbers of Metrocentre’s visitors arrive in their EVs. Charging them while they enjoy the retail, hospitality and entertainment on offer at the centre is easy and convenient thanks to our fast chargers. Installing a large number of charge points takes careful planning, which is where specialist help comes in. Syzygy and Metrocentre recognised that Mer would be a perfect partner for the Centre’s EV charging infrastructure.” – Emma Spark, Head of Account Management, Mer UK – Fleet and Workplace Charging 

The Solution 

The EV charging expertise, analysis and consultative approach that Mer employs was put to good use by Metrocentre, which is now home to 52 Mer charge points. Mer has provided a mix of 7kW and 22kW fast chargers which offer the lowest charging price at a speed that is best suited to the average two-hour stay for visitors to the Centre. A 7kW charger adds around 25 miles of range in an hour, while a 22kW fast charger adds around 90 miles in an hour.  

“We are committed to providing a more sustainable future for Metrocentre and ensuring accessibility to EV charging is a key part of this. We currently have the largest network of EV chargers in any UK shopping centre and are confident that the range and volume of chargers on site will help to future proof the centre as more and more people make the switch to EV.” – Gavin Prior, Centre Director, Metrocentre 

The charge points are located in various parking areas around the 192,900 m2 retail site, giving shoppers a choice of speed, cost and location. 

“Syzygy were delighted to work with Mer to expand the existing charge point provision at Metrocentre, helping to meet the growing need for high-quality charging facilities in the Gateshead area.  Developing and overseeing the delivery of this ambitious project, feeding the centre’s charge points with power from both rooftop solar and innovative solar carports, we have helped not only significantly decarbonise the Metrocentre, but also provided a highly visible demonstration of its sustainability credentials.” – Kirsty Berry, Director, Syzygy Consulting 

Metrocentre’s ongoing investment in charging points is part of its commitment to advancing Gateshead’s plan to be zero carbon by 2030. It plays an important role in the Centre’s long-term, sustainability-focused business strategy.  

“At Mer, we are proud to play a central role in helping both Metrocentre and Gateshead achieve their net-zero ambitions. Integrating EV charging into such a vast project is a masterstroke in terms of sustainability, and should be a model for other retail, hospitality and entertainment outlets to follow. We look forward to working on many such vital projects in the future.” – Emma Spark, Head of Account Management, Mer UK – Fleet and Workplace Charging