A NEW mall opened at Gateshead's MetroCentre yesterday helping it regain its crown as the largest shopping and amusement centre in Europe.

The Red Mall was unveiled at the shopping complex with attractions including acrobatics, an 18,000 charity balloon launch and music from the Catterick Garrison-based Normandy Band.

The development means the MetroCentre, which has 324 shops, has regained the title as Europe's largest shopping complex from Kent's Blue Water Centre.

The MetroCentre is owned by Capital Shopping Centres and Donald Gordon, chairman of its parent company, Liberty International, opened the mall with Gateshead Mayor Councillor Pat Ronan.

Mr Gordon said: "We are celebrating the opening of a great new retail facility - a major investment by Capital Shopping Centres to keep MetroCentre at the forefront of modern shopping.

"Designed to fit seamlessly with the existing centre, the Red Mall increases the size of the MetroCentre to 1,780,000sq ft, restoring its position as Europe's largest shopping and leisure centre."

The lineup of new retailers, some of which have opened for the first time in the region, is headed by a Debenhams department store. There are also major units for Zara, H&M and New Look, which is expanding to offer menswear.

Also represented are Mango, Bershka, Schuh, Jones Bootmaker, Karen Millen, French Connection, Faith, Capo, Pumpkin Patch, The Pier and the Professional Cookware Company.

The development means existing retailers, Goldsmiths, River Island, Clinton Cards and Game can expand their stores.

The £85m mall also includes a 1,100 space multi-storey car park with direct access to the shops.

The MetroCentre recently unveiled an improved bus system taking shoppers directly into Gateshead.

Additionally, a new circular bus service will operate every five minutes around the centre, calling at all four entrances, and also travelling to Ikea, Asda and Gala Bingo.

Mr Gordon said: "As a far-sighted company and the promotor of the complex, we are keen to encourage and facilitate the use of efficient public transport.

"The magnificent public transport interchange, which has just opened, provides modern facilities for bus travellers and facilitates the introduction of the new CentreLink bus, direct to Gateshead town centre."

To celebrate the opening, 300,000 letters will be sent to homes through the region containing a lucky number which could be the key to prizes including cars and holidays.