Work Starts on Merrion Centre Refurbishment

PROPERTY firm Town Centre Securities (TCS) as started a new phase of redevelopment work on the 1 million sq ft Merrion Shopping Centre in Leeds city centre.

The Leeds-based company is undertaking a major programme of facelift works to the retail units fronting Merrion St. This will consist of new shop frontages for new tenants, fast-food retailer KFC and Coral bookmakers, who take occupation in November.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the completed works, but in the meantime all our shops and stores remain open and it’s business as usual.”

The three existing occupiers KRCS, Stewarts News and Greggs will also benefit from new frontages and will remain open throughout the redevelopment phase.

The refurbishment will also include external glazing to two vacant units, the 2,000 sq ft former Jug and Bottle puband a 2,800 sq ft basement unit which previously was a night club known as Subculture. 

The work will involve the removal of the existing canopies on Merrion Street and Wade Lane. New shop fronts along Merrion Street will be created with granite columns and new lighting. The offices above will also get an external facelift and new windows.  The work will be completed by the end of this year.

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities said: ”This a key piece of real estate on the Leeds inner city loop road. Our experience shows us that by attracting new tenants and enhancing frontages we can raise the profile of this prominent location.

"This substantial investment, which includes the introduction of high quality materials, will significantly improve the look of the centre, bringing benefits to all. I’m really looking forward to seeing the completed works, but in the meantime all our shops and stores remain open and it’s business as usual.”  

Triton Construction is carrying out the work and Wake Architects of Huddersfield undertook the design work. Savills and Brassington Rowan are the agents for the vacant units.

For more information on TCS visit www.tcs-plc.com.