This building replaced the more modest 1970s one on the same site. As well as containing the ground level ticket hall and access to the platforms of Haymarket Metro station it is also home to a number of small street level retail premises and the upper floors contain office space.
Newcastle's 'new' co-op was built on Newgate Street in 1932. Although 'art decor' in style, it gave more than a nod to Egypt where Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb had just taken place. See http://www.timmonet.co.uk/html/newcastle_co-op.htm