Leeds’ Merrion Centre set for ‘exciting’ year after record-breaking 2016

Merrion Centre, the Leeds city centre shopping centre, is set for an “exciting” year ahead in 2017 as owner Town Centre Securities further invests in the centre.

The shopping destination’s phased investment programme is now well underway, and will see the introduction of a wide range of new brands to the city throughout the year.

This will include the 134 bedroom Ibis Styles hotel, Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian, as well as new regional brands, The Dockyard bar and restaurant and the arrival of Bengal Brasserie which is set to open its first city centre restaurant.

Further announcements regarding new businesses that will be setting up shop in the Merrion Centre in 2017 will be made shortly.

The redevelopment work at Merrion House, including the delivery of the council’s new city centre customer service hub, will also continue at pace throughout 2017. The refurbished building is set to be the newest addition to the city’s Arena Quarter.

These plans follow on from Merrion Centre reporting a record-breaking 2016 which saw visitor numbers reach 11.5 million, an increase of 3.4% on the previous year.

Helen Green, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: “We have exciting plans to further enhance our range of services and shops for our new and existing customers.

“2016 has seen a record footfall at the centre and we look forward to the launch of Ibis Styles, Marco’s Italian, the Dockyard and others. These deals will transform the Arena Quarter offer throughout 2017.”

Over the last twelve months the Merrion Centre welcomed a wide range of new tenants, including the only official Leeds United Club store in the city centre, and Heron Foods, again the only Heron store in Leeds city centre.

Helen Green added: “We are absolutely delighted with the achievements we’ve celebrated this year, and are excited to have so many new shops and leisure outlets recognising what a great place the Merrion Centre is.

“We constantly strive to bring added value to our customers whether it is Leeds United favourites in store or GBBO winner Nadiya Hussain cooking on the malls.

“We look forward to continuing to be a key contributor to ensuring Leeds is one of the best shopping experiences in the country as we move into 2017.”