A NEW boss of Europe's biggest shopping mall, the Metrocentre, has been appointed four months after the tragic death of his predecessor.

Gavin Prior has been promoted to general manager of the Gateshead centre after six years as its operations manager. He replaces Tim Lamb who died after a heart attack while playing football in April and was widely mourned by the North East business community.

Prior will take control of the hugely popular and growing centre as it begins on its latest expansion – the £12m restaurant and leisure development MetrOasis and the Platinum Mall, both of which are expected to open within months.

“Working within the retail sector and at the biggest shopping centre in Europe is a challenging and demanding role especially at the pace that it continues to evolve,” he said.

“Continuing to strive to be the best has always been my number one priority for the centre and one that I relish. My new appointment will allow me to continue my ambitions.

“CSC is continuing to invest in Metrocentre and we have a number of exciting new developments that will be taking place over the coming months, I am delighted that I will be heading a very strong, ambitious and talented team to support me in all our future projects.”

Prior joined the centre’s owner, Capital Shopping Centres, in 1996 and previously worked at the Harlequin Shopping Centre in Watford.

“Since working and living here I now feel that the North East is my home and feel privileged to live in such a beautiful and friendly area,” he added.

“I thoroughly enjoy working at Metrocentre alongside all of our staff, retailers and contractors as they share my ambitions to ensure Metrocentre continues to provide shoppers with a first class shopping experience.”