Proving North Shields is increasingly the place to be right now, a brand-new indie food and shopping hub will be opening in November.
Common Ground brings together independent businesses, food, art and community activities in the former Wilko building at the Beacon Centre in North Shields. Traders involved include Ouseburn collective Flea Circus, famed for their eclectic selection of vintage furniture, homewares and curiosities; JewelGemJewellery, who creates handmade jewellery including pieces using sea glass collected along the Seaham and Northumberland coast; Pretty Urban’s photography and prints; To Here From Eternity’s homewares, vintage and vinyl finds; Angelic Vision007 present original artwork, textiles and wall hangings; and there’s Scandinavian-inspired interiors from Simpliscandi; plus foodie businesses including Pure Knead artisanal bakery, chef David Coulson’s Peace of Pie and fermented sauces and condiments from Farm Fermented Foods.
There will also be a gallery wall curated by the Side and AmberSide Trust, and an event space which will host creative workshops, live music, exhibitions and community gatherings as the project develops into 2027.
“We want Common Ground to become a destination where people can discover independent businesses, meet familiar faces and make new connections,” says the organisation’s Simmie Harper. “There’s something special about the high street many of us remember: knowing the person behind the counter, stopping for a chat and feeling part of the community. We want to bring some of that feeling back to the heart of North Shields, while giving small businesses room to grow. Common Ground can offer a warm welcome, local food, independent shopping and art, alongside the chance to meet the people behind our businesses.”
