Manchester-based entertainment brand Freight Island is to open its second UK site this autumn, investing £16m in converting the top floor of the former Debenhams in Newcastle into a 60,000 sq ft dining and entertainment venue.

The new Eldon Square venture follows the success of Freight Island Manchester, which has reportedly contributed more than £30m to the local economy since opening five years ago thanks to a combination of live performances, street food and family events.

“This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind,” said co-founder and MD Dan Morris. “Newcastle is the perfect location to take Freight Island to the next level.”

“The city is growing rapidly, and Freight Island will play an important part in that by nurturing local talent, whilst bringing our vibrant mix of food, drink, music, and entertainment to this incredible city.”

Freight Island has signed an initial lease of 15 years, and will benefit from being located at the heart of Newcastle City Council’s £50m City Centre Transformation Programme.

“Freight Island is more than just an entertainment venue; it’s a transformative project that will enable us to accelerate the performance of Eldon Square whilst celebrating the incredible culture that Newcastle is renowned for,” said Kitty Vaughan, head of UK leisure and F&B at  Eldon Square’s asset management team Pradera Lateral.