Merry Hill Continues Growth in Landmark Transformation

31 Jan 2025

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News
We spoke with Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager at Merry Hill.

Merry Hill is a top 10 shopping centre in the UK and is situated in Brierley Hill near Dudley. Developed between 1985 and 1990, the centre has also enjoyed several subsequent expansion and renovation projects in the decades since. With over 200 shops, a separate retail park, cinema, food hall and 9,000+ car parking spaces, Merry Hill will also be welcoming new transport links at the centre over the coming years, as part of the new Midlands Metro Link extension. Hear from Merry Hill’s Centre Manager, Jonathan Poole, on what they have coming up in the new year.

What have been your company’s key achievements in 2024?

2024 was a milestone year for Merry Hill – we welcomed 26 new brands, covering a massive 295,500 sq ft of space. This included much anticipated national debuts for Harvey Norman and XF Gym, and a record £30m investment. Footfall was up again year-on-year, increasing by 4.2% in the 12-month period, and our vacancy rate now stands at just 5%, a prime example of our strategic approach to asset management.

Have you made any significant investments in your business in 2024?

2024 saw a major repositioning of Merry Hill, not just by investing in our tenant mix, but also in delivering a vibrant community hub and multifunctional destination. This included the relocation of local operators The Black Country Hub and Black Country Radio to more prominent spots within the centre, as well as the upsize of NHS Blood Unit, which is set to almost double its capacity, providing vital healthcare access to an additional 90,000 visitors each year.

How will you be looking to grow in 2025?

2025 will be about building on the growth of 2024, keeping the momentum going. The evolution of our leisure quarter and the success of additions like Hollywood Bowl and the leisure quarter showcase our effort to transform the centre into a multifunctional hub, something we will be continuing into next year. More people are travelling further to Merry Hill to enjoy our new and improved destination. And the interest in Merry Hill from brands wanting to join us and be part of this transformation is higher than it’s been for many years. 2025 is a particularly landmark year as it’s our 40th anniversary, a moment that we will be using to celebrate the centre’s evolution, achievements, and position as a pillar of the community.

What do you think the top trends in your sector will be next year?

Investment and occupier sentiment continues to improve, whilst consumer needs continue to evolve, focusing more and more on community-driven experiences. Next year, we’ll be aligning our plans with what our shoppers and tenants value the most to ensure that Merry Hill remains relevant to everyone who walks through the doors.

Visit: https://mymerryhill.co.uk/ to learn more.

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