Centra The Barbican officially launches in Newcastle following £1.4m investment
Centra The Barbican has officially opened in Newcastle following a £1.4 million investment, marking a new chapter for a store that has served the local community for more than 40 years.
Originally opening as a convenience store in the 1980s and trading as SuperValu since 1998, the much-loved Barbican store has now joined the Centra brand, bringing together SuperValu’s strong food heritage with Centra’s modern convenience offer.
To celebrate the launch, pupils from local primary schools who had won a colouring competition, led the ribbon cutting ceremony. Each school will also receive a £200 donation to support school funds. Shoppers enjoyed a family fun day, with food samples, cookbook giveaways from Centra brand ambassador, food blogger and BBQ specialist Jim Moore (@Only Slaggin’), prize giveaways and a live broadcast from Cool FM with presenter Pete Snodden.
Commenting on the refurbishment, Oliver Martin, Head of Musgrave Northern Ireland’s Company Owned Stores, said:
“This £1.4 million investment represents an exciting new chapter for The Barbican and underlines our commitment to providing local shoppers with great food, modern convenience and strong value.
“Every element of the refurbishment has been carefully planned to reflect how people shop today – making it easier, faster and more enjoyable. And with standout food-to-go, quality meal solutions, a premium alcohol range and all the everyday essentials – value remains at the heart of the offer. We’re proud to continue serving the Newcastle community and look forward to welcoming shoppers to experience the new store.”
The store has been completely transformed, introducing more than 400 new product lines, including a dedicated local section showcasing Musgrave’s strong commitment to local supplier partnerships.
A key feature of the refurbishment is the Dinner Made Easy zone, offering an extended range of fresh foods, quality meat, sides and convenient meal solutions. Shoppers will also find a new hot and cold deli, including a baked potato station and pizza by the slice, alongside an in-store bakery providing freshly baked goods and handcrafted patisserie throughout the day.
For customers on the go, the upgraded offering includes new Frank and Honest coffee machines, with a range that includes dark roast and iced coffee, breakfast and lunch options, and local favourite Nugelato ice cream.
The store also boasts a premium and expanded alcohol selection, featuring wines, beers and spirits curated for both everyday occasions and special celebrations, alongside a dedicated zero-alcohol zone.
Additional enhancements include self-serve tills, a refreshed store layout designed for quick and easy shopping trips, and a strong focus on sustainability with digital screens, energy-efficient LED lighting, upgraded refrigeration and freezers, electronic shelf-edge labels and solar panels.
Value remains a key focus for Centra customers, with hundreds of best buys available, savings of up to 40% on own-brand products, Supermarket Price Match on key everyday items with Tesco, and Epic Deals on four big-brand products, refreshed every three weeks.
The investment and new store format mark an exciting new era for The Barbican, combining modern convenience, quality food and strong value with a continued commitment to serving the local community.
