CONSUMERS’ robust confidence and retailers’ expansion plans are continuing to give a shopping centre operator a post-Brexit lift, it has been claimed.

Intu Properties, which runs Gateshead’s MetroCentre and Newcastle’s Eldon Square, says more people are visiting its sites.

Bosses added the demand has been reflected in a new lease deal with clothing and homeware retailer, Next.

According to the agreement, the company will double its space at the MetroCentre, which was the vision of ex-Newcastle United chairman, Sir John Hall, to 85,000sq ft.

At Eldon Square, the business has also opened five restaurants in a £25m development and confirmed another 12 will begin trading in the coming weeks.

David Fischel, Intu chief executive, said the firm, which has sold a London centre for £178m, was progressing well, revealing UK footfall was 1.2 per cent higher than a year ago.

He also confirmed the company had plans to strengthen its operations by re-letting former BHS stores and added the EU vote has yet to materially impact on retail property values.

He said: “Since the referendum, consumer confidence has remained robust but financial markets are likely to continue to be turbulent.

“However, we remain on target to deliver growth in like-for-like net rental income in the range of three to four per cent.

“While the prospects for the UK economy are particularly unclear as the Brexit agenda is pursued, we continue to be positive with stable footfall, occupancy over 95 per cent, good progress on lettings and rent reviews and strong momentum.”