Great Park Town Centre
Newcastle Great Park town centre is preparing to welcome a Pilates studio, Italian restaurant, tanning salon, veterinary practice and cocktail bar, according to the latest update from the Newcastle Great Park Consortium. However, the expansion comes alongside confirmation that popular local bakery Vanilla & Dreams has closed and handed back its premises after five years serving the community.
A series of new businesses is preparing to open in Newcastle Great Park town centre, bringing additional dining, fitness, beauty, veterinary and hospitality services to residents.
The Newcastle Great Park Consortium, the partnership between Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes responsible for delivering the wider development, has released details of five incoming businesses at different stages of preparation.
Among the most imminent arrivals are Sigá Studio, a new Reformer Pilates business expected to open in November, and Stone Fired Pizza & Pasta, which is aiming to welcome customers within the next month.
Further openings are planned for Bask Tanning Salon later in 2026 and Doorstep Vet in early 2027, while Elea's Bar has secured its premises and is preparing for fit-out work.
The Consortium has also confirmed that Vanilla & Dreams, which operated from Middleton South, has returned its keys following the bakery's closure.
According to the latest update, the former bakery is currently the only vacant commercial unit being marketed within the town centre.
Sigá Studio preparing for November opening
One of the next businesses expected to welcome customers is Sigá Studio, a new Reformer Pilates studio taking shape at Unit 2, Middleton North, immediately next to Guinot.
The studio is in the final stages of its fit-out, with an opening anticipated during November 2026.
Its online booking system is expected to become available soon, although an exact opening date and class timetable have not yet been announced.
Reformer Pilates differs from conventional mat-based Pilates through the use of a specialised exercise machine, known as a reformer, which typically uses springs and a moving carriage to provide adjustable resistance.
The exercise method focuses on controlled movement, strength, stability and flexibility, with sessions that can be adapted to different levels of experience.
Sigá aims to provide a modern, welcoming space for residents interested in Reformer Pilates, whether they are already familiar with the method or looking to try it for the first time.
For Great Park residents, the studio will offer another local option for structured exercise without the need to travel into Newcastle city centre or neighbouring areas.
The business has launched a website where prospective customers can register their interest and receive information about its opening and early booking opportunities.
Location: Unit 2, Middleton North, next to Guinot.
Expected opening: November 2026.
Website: https://www.sigastudio.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigastudio/
Sigá Studio’s new premises
Stone Fired Pizza & Pasta set to bring new dining option to Great Park
Another eagerly anticipated arrival is Stone Fired Pizza & Pasta, which is preparing to open at Unit 2, Branton South, next to Whales Head Coffee Shop.
According to the Consortium, work on the premises is approaching its final stages, with the business hoping to open within approximately one month of the October announcement.
That would suggest an opening during November 2026, subject to the remaining preparations.
The restaurant plans to specialise in stone-fired artisan pizzas and pasta dishes, with a family-friendly dining environment.
Its arrival is expected to broaden the range of food and drink options available to Great Park residents.
For local families, the new restaurant could provide another convenient choice for dining out close to home, while also adding to the town centre's developing evening hospitality offering.
The team behind Stone Fired is expected to announce further details, including its opening date and any launch promotions, through its social media channels.
At present, no confirmed opening day, full menu, prices or operating hours have been published in the Consortium's announcement.
Location: Unit 2, Branton South, next to Whales Head Coffee Shop.
Expected opening: Within approximately one month of the October update.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564704143531
Bask Tanning Salon targeting opening before the end of 2026
Work is also continuing at Bask Tanning Salon, which is preparing new premises at Unit 3, Branton North, next to Home Desire.
The business is aiming to open in late 2026, although no exact date has been confirmed.
Its arrival will add another beauty and personal-care service to Newcastle Great Park town centre.
The Consortium reports that fit-out work is progressing, with the team preparing the interior ahead of welcoming its first customers.
Further details of the salon's services, opening arrangements and customer information are expected to be announced as work continues.
For residents, Bask will provide another option for accessing beauty and lifestyle services locally.
Location: Unit 3, Branton North, next to Home Desire.
Expected opening: Late 2026.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_basktan/
Doorstep Vet confirms new Great Park practice for early 2027
Pet owners in Newcastle Great Park can also look forward to a new veterinary practice, with Doorstep Vet planning to open its first permanent clinic in the town centre.
The independent, locally owned business has received planning permission for the development and is now preparing to expand beyond its existing mobile veterinary service.
Doorstep Vet began providing veterinary home visits across Tyne and Wear in 2022.
The new Great Park practice is expected to open in early 2027, according to both the Consortium's latest announcement and the company's current recruitment information.
Importantly, the permanent clinic will not replace the business's home-visit service.
Instead, the two services are intended to operate alongside one another, giving pet owners the choice between visiting the practice and arranging suitable veterinary care at home.
The company's approach focuses on personalised care and reducing stress for animals during appointments.
What facilities will the new veterinary practice offer?
Doorstep Vet has published further information about the planned clinic on its recruitment website.
The proposed facilities include three consulting rooms, a dedicated operating area, an in-house laboratory, digital X-ray equipment, dental facilities and separate kennel areas for dogs and cats.
These services will allow the business to provide a wider range of veterinary care from its Great Park premises, including consultations, diagnostics, surgery and dentistry.
Its existing mobile service has primarily focused on consultations and care delivered in pets' homes.
The introduction of a permanent clinical facility will therefore represent a significant expansion of the business.
Doorstep Vet is also recruiting veterinary professionals ahead of the planned opening.
Pet owners can pre-register now
Although the practice is not yet open, local residents can register their interest through the company's website.
The pre-registration process allows owners to provide information about themselves and their pets ahead of the clinic becoming operational.
There is one date discrepancy worth noting: Doorstep Vet's pre-registration page still refers to an autumn 2026 opening, but the company's more recent careers information and the Consortium's October announcement both indicate early 2027.
Residents should therefore use early 2027 as the current anticipated timeframe until the business confirms a specific opening date.
Expected opening: Early 2027.
Website: https://doorstep.vet/
Great Park pre-registration: https://doorstep.vet/pre-registration-great-park/
Elea's Bar secures lease for new Great Park cocktail bar
A further addition to the town centre's hospitality offering is also progressing, with Elea's Bar completing the lease agreement for a new cocktail bar.
The Consortium has confirmed that the business has successfully progressed through the relevant planning and licensing applications.
The lease has now been completed, allowing the next stage of preparations to begin.
Fit-out work is expected to commence in due course.
The planned opening could provide another evening destination within Newcastle Great Park, adding to the mix of restaurants, cafés and other hospitality businesses already operating locally.
However, the announcement does not confirm the precise unit location, an opening date, trading hours or details of the proposed drinks offering.
Further information is expected to be shared in future town centre updates.
For now, the completed lease agreement represents progress towards the arrival of the new venue rather than confirmation that it is ready to open.
Status: Planning and licensing applications successful; lease completed.
Next stage: Premises fit-out.
Opening date: Not yet announced.
Farewell to Vanilla & Dreams after five years in Great Park
While several businesses are preparing to join the town centre, the latest announcement also confirms the departure of a familiar local name.
Vanilla & Dreams, the bakery and café based at Unit 3b, Middleton South, has now formally returned its keys following the closure of the business.
The bakery had been part of the Great Park community for approximately five years.
During that time, it became known for celebration cakes, sweet treats, coffee and a range of freshly prepared food.
For many residents, Vanilla & Dreams provided somewhere to stop for a coffee, purchase a cake for a special occasion or meet friends and family.
The business had previously announced developments concerning its future through social media.
The latest update from the Newcastle Great Park Consortium confirms that the premises have now been handed back.
The Consortium thanked the bakery for its contribution to the local community and wished those involved well for the future.
Its departure marks the end of a chapter for the town centre, particularly for residents who supported the business over the years.
Former Vanilla & Dreams unit now available for a new business
The former bakery premises are now being marketed to prospective commercial tenants.
According to the Consortium, Unit 3b, Middleton South is currently the only vacant commercial unit available within the town centre, with the other units occupied or committed to businesses.
Commercial property agent @retail is advertising the premises.
Its current listing provides further details about the unit, which comprises approximately 928 square feet of ground-floor accommodation.
The property is being offered on a new lease, with an advertised annual rent of £21,000 exclusive of additional costs, subject to the terms agreed.
The unit is situated within the established Middleton South commercial area and could provide an opportunity for another independent business or expanding operator to establish a presence in Great Park.
The Consortium has not announced any replacement tenant, and there is no confirmed information about what type of business might eventually occupy the former bakery.
Businesses interested in the premises can view the letting particulars through @retail.
Former premises: Unit 3b, Middleton South, Wagonway Drive, Newcastle Great Park, NE13 9BJ.
Size: Approximately 928 sq ft.
Advertised rent: £21,000 per year, exclusive.
Property details: https://atretail.co.uk/property/newcastle-great-park-unit-3b-middleton-south/
What do the new arrivals mean for Great Park?
The latest announcements reflect the continuing evolution of Newcastle Great Park town centre as its residential population grows.
The arrival of businesses offering fitness classes, dining, personal care, veterinary treatment and evening hospitality will broaden the services that residents can access close to home.
For families, the proposed pizza and pasta restaurant will introduce an additional dining option.
The new Pilates studio and tanning salon will add to the existing health, beauty and wellbeing services.
Doorstep Vet's arrival could be particularly welcome to local pet owners, providing access to a permanent veterinary clinic within the development.
And Elea's Bar could contribute to the town centre's evening economy once its opening arrangements are confirmed.
There may also be opportunities for employment as the businesses prepare to open, although the number of jobs associated with the new arrivals has not been confirmed in the Consortium's announcement.
As with any developing commercial centre, the success of new openings will depend on a range of factors, including customer demand and continued local support.
The closure of Vanilla & Dreams also demonstrates that, alongside welcoming new businesses, Great Park continues to experience changes among its established traders.
When are the new businesses expected to open?
Based on the latest published information, the anticipated timetable is:
November 2026 – Sigá Studio
The Reformer Pilates studio is approaching the end of its fit-out, with online bookings expected to become available soon.
Within approximately one month – Stone Fired Pizza & Pasta
The restaurant is completing preparations and hopes to open during November, although a specific date has not been announced.
Late 2026 – Bask Tanning Salon
Fit-out work continues ahead of a planned opening before the end of the year.
Early 2027 – Doorstep Vet
The new veterinary practice has received planning permission, with pre-registration already available.
Date to be confirmed – Elea's Bar
The cocktail bar has secured its lease following the relevant approvals, with fit-out work to follow.
These are anticipated opening periods, not guaranteed dates. Residents should check each business's official channels for confirmation before attempting to visit.
What would residents like to see next?
With five new businesses preparing to open and the former Vanilla & Dreams unit being marketed, Newcastle Great Park town centre is continuing to change.
The announcements will provide plenty of interest for residents who want a wider range of services, shops and places to eat without needing to travel further afield.
They may also prompt discussion about what types of businesses the community would most like to attract in future.
The Great Park Gazette would be interested to hear residents' views.
Which of the five incoming businesses are you most looking forward to visiting?
And with the former Vanilla & Dreams premises now available, what type of business would you like to see take its place?
Residents can share their thoughts through the Great Park Residents Group.
The Great Park Gazette will continue reporting confirmed opening dates and further town centre announcements as information becomes available.
Sources and further information
Newcastle Great Park Consortium – Town Centre Activities & New Businesses
https://www.newcastlegreatpark.com/town-centre-activities-new-businesses-new-arrivals-coming-soon/
Sigá Studio
Stone Fired Great Park – Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564704143531
Bask Tanning Salon – Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/_basktan/
Doorstep Vet
Doorstep Vet – Great Park pre-registration
https://doorstep.vet/pre-registration-great-park/
Doorstep Vet – Careers and clinic information
@retail – Unit 3b Middleton South
https://atretail.co.uk/property/newcastle-great-park-unit-3b-middleton-south/
