REINVIGORATE – THE GATE
The Gate indoor complex comprises a mix of hospitality and leisure venues, the sectors hit hardest by Covid19 restrictions. Complying with guidance meant up to 11 months of closure, phased reopening with only some of the units able to reopen, and restricted trading measures lessening the visitor experience. The challenge faced by The Gate was to remain top of mind and on the footfall circuit with the limited offer that was available, and he majority of The Gate remained under restrictions, while other open air venues and non-essential retail re-opened elsewhere. Vintage Vera, is a small independent business which provides cool, affordable vintage clothing, while saving thousands of tonnes from landfill through kilo sales. Having held a small number of events within The Gate prior to lockdown, they no longer had opportunities to sell as events were cancelled. We wanted to continue to support an Independent that delivered against our ESG agenda and supported footfall during this challenging time.
One of the largest units in the Gate becomes vacant during lockdown. Working with Vintage Vera we repurposed the unit providing a space for regular sales. Costs were kept minimum by creatively hoarding off-key back of house areas so existing dressing could be re-used for the new unit. The Gate was reinvigorated:
- Created a reason to visit and dwell while indoor hospitality remained closed
- Drove footfall to venues as they reopened and transitioned to full capacity
- Attracting a new eco conscious audience and greater number of students
Results:
- Events have increased, running on a weekly/bi weekly basis.
- Contributing £500 per month to costs
- Attracting visits from over 3,000 people
- Generated over £120k in sales
Landlords investment to install a partition and one way system to ensure Covid guidelines were adhered to was £6.5k.
TESTIMONIAL
” Vintage Vera love working in and alongside everyone at ‘The Gate’ and it’s been fantastic for us as a business. From the cleaning staff, to the security guys, up to the big boss, everyone is so friendly and happy to help in any way possible, especially through the difficult times of the pandemic, when as soon as it was possible to open, they made sure all was in order, the public were managed in a calm and professional manner to ensure guidelines were followed and trade was great. The Gate is a ‘landmark’ of Newcastle and we love being a part of it!“
Gordon Martin, Owner
