Merry Hill mall, located in Birmingham, is about to undergo a significant transformation thanks to a £50 million+ investment by Ellandi, one of the UK’s leading privately-owned shopping centre operators. This major renovation is part of Ellandi’s five-year strategy and marks the first major refurbishment for any former Intu asset. The mall spans over 2 million sq ft, and the adjacent waterfront and leisure destination will also be included in the placemaking masterplan.
The initial phase of the relaunch is set for September, with the ultimate goal of making Merry Hill a benchmark for how shopping centres can adapt to the changing needs of retailers and customers in a post-pandemic era. The transformation will include measures to future-proof the shopping centre and improve its sustainability credentials. Ellandi has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, which will involve initiatives such as installing solar panels and over 200 electric vehicle charging points.
Currently, Merry Hill is the eighth largest shopping centre in the UK and has a catchment area of approximately 2.8 million people within a 45-minute drive. To oversee this ambitious project, Ellandi has appointed a new centre manager, Jonathan Poole. With over 20 years of experience managing renowned retail destinations, Poole previously served as the centre manager at The Liberty centre in Romford.
Ellandi has already completed or is in the final stages of completing deals for over 126,000 sq ft this year. Additionally, negotiations are underway with 22 new retailers, which would add over 230,000 sq ft to the mall. The company’s objective with this investment is to enhance the existing retail offering provided by popular tenants such as Next, JD Sport, and Primark. They aim to attract leading brands to Merry Hill and provide an exceptional leisure experience that sets the mall apart.
One of the planned developments is the creation of a new family entertainment district known as the ‘Leisure District.’ Existing leisure facilities will also undergo significant upgrades and seamlessly integrate with the main mall. As the last remaining Intu sign was removed, the installation of new decorative interactive paneling outside the centre, costing £14 million, is nearing completion.
Research conducted by retail specialist Javelin Group shows that retailers at Merry Hill have consistently outperformed the chain average with sales growth of +34%. Within its catchment area, the centre is regarded as the strongest scheme in terms of retailers’ sales performance.
Overall, the £50 million+ investment in Merry Hill presents an exciting opportunity to revitalize and modernize this well-established shopping centre. With a focus on sustainability and providing an exceptional retail and leisure experience, Ellandi aims to position Merry Hill as a premier destination for both shoppers and brands alike.
Useful links:
1. Merry Hill Shopping Centre
2. Ellandi
