Merry Hill marks 20 years at site
Businesses at a major Black Country shopping centre have coughed up a staggering £375 million in rates since it controversially opened two decades ago.
Merry Hill shopping centre will celebrate its 20th year of trading on November 14 - and bosses believe the development has proved itself to be an unprecedented success.
Roy Richardson, who founded the centre with his late twin brother Don, says the out-of-town shopping precinct is the largest development in the Black Country and West Midlands over the last 100 years. "It feels great to be celebrating 20 years and I think it shows just how much of a quality development the centre was that it continues to stand the test of time," he said.
"I believe there are three facets which make it such a success; the 10,000 free parking spaces, the safe, secure environment and the cleanliness."
However, as only the second out-of-town shopping centre in the country, it had many critics who claimed it was to blame for the demise of nearby high streets.
By Laura Cook
