The Merrion Centre.
The Merrion Centre.

Merrion Centre welcomes 11.5 million shoppers as 10-year investment plan completes

The Merrion Centre welcomed more than 11.5 million shoppers in 2017, with the final quarter being it’s most successful.

More than 3.5million people visited the Leeds city centre shopping mall in the last three months of the year, an increase of 65,000 shoppers from the same period last year.

The end of 2017 also marks the completion of Town Centre Securities’ 10-year investment plan for The Merrion Centre. In total, £70m has been spent on refurbishing and redeveloping the centre, including increasing the total retail and leisure space, the addition of a hotel, and refurbishment of the on-site CitiPark car park.

2017 also saw a range of additional new tenants to the Merrion Centre, including beauty outlet Glamour Forever, financial services provider Leeds Credit Union and food outlets including Bengal Brasserie, Hook and Line, Sticky Sisters and Burger King.

Helen Green, associate director for Town Centre Securities (TCS), owner of the Merrion Centre, said: “In 2017, we focused on what we know our customers want which is access to a range of shops to suit every budget, together with fun events and entertainment.

“We’ve put our fantastic location to good use, hosting high profile events to bring in the crowds and ensure there’s always something exciting happening.

“Our most popular events were our pre-MOBO’s party, Christmas grotto and visit from children’s television favourite Mr Bloom. These, together with our continued investment, have all contributed to what has been another bumper year.

“We are very confident that as we announce new tenants, and celebrate the completion of the newly developed home to Leeds City Council, Merrion House, that we will see even further growth in our footfall in 2018.”

Edward Ziff OBE, chairman and chief executive of TCS, added: “The past year saw some challenges to the retail industry with uncertainties around Brexit and a weaker pound all taking a toll on shopper confidence.

“However, through continual investment we ensure we’re catering for our visitors by providing customer choice through our various tenants. We have some very exciting plans for 2018 and will be working hard to ensure the Merrion Centre remains one of the best places to visit in Leeds.”

The Merrion Shopping Centre is a 1 million sq ft mixed use scheme in the centre of Leeds, which features 100 shops, cafés and restaurants as well as office and leisure accommodation.

The centre, which is owned and asset managed by Town Centre Securities PLC, is located in Arena Quarter and is close to the civic quarter and university campuses.

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