Merry Hill shopping centre to get multi-million pound makeover

The revamp of the outside of intu Merry Hill in Brierley Hill is due to be completed in the spring of 2021.

The project will cost more than £10 million and will see the centre's external walls and entrances revamped, after the refurbishment of the centre's car parks and bus station over the last few years.

Local contractor Mac is carrying out the redevelopment work which will replace cladding, remodel entrances and use energy-saving LED lighting that changes the colour of the walls on the outside of the centre.

It comes weeks after it was announced the shopping centre's owner, intu Properties, fell into administration.

However, the company said its shopping centres will continue to trade for the time being despite its insolvency.

The popular shopping centre has benefited from investment from some fashion brands, independent retailers and eateries in the past 12 months, including the arrival of luxury retailer Flannels and women’s fashion brand Apricot, who opened their doors last month.

A total of 93 per cent of stores have now reopened since lockdown restrictions were relaxed and, with restaurants also open, bosses have said footfall continues to increase at the centre.

Nick Round, regional managing director at intu, said: “This is an important stage in the ongoing transformation of one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations.

“intu Merry Hill centre is already a hotspot for brands looking for a location where they can really flourish, and the work that we are carrying out will drive up the centre’s appeal among retail and leisure brands.”