Sunderland Guide: The Bridges Shopping Centre
The Bridges is the primary shopping outlet of Sunderland City Centre. Opened in 1988 by Anne, Princess Royal, the facility contains up to 80 shops as well as the traditional Jacky Whites market.
History
The area the Bridges was built upon was known as the “Shopping Arcade” which had been built with a brutalist design in the 1960s as part of the town centre’s reconstruction following World War II. The area was windy and unappealing, which led to its transformation into an indoor shopping centre. The Bridges once hosted a city centre Bus station, which was closed around 2000. Around this time the facility was also expanded in size, with a new northern strip and a large car park being added.
Shops Available
The Bridges Shopping Centre hosts a variety of shops and cafes, including: H&M, Next, River Island, Krispy Kreme Donuts, JD sports, Starbucks, Boots, Superdrug, Greggs, Cafe Nero, Clarks, HMV, Iceland, Primark, Waterstones and many more.
