Grand Central smashes one million visitor mark in opening fortnight

MORE than one million people have flooded into Birmingham’s new Grand Central shopping centre in the first two weeks of its opening.

The deluge surpasses all predictions on how popular the centre might be – but it is now just footfall that is being collated. Sale volumes, average time spent and spending levels have also exceeded expectations.

In its opening weekend alone, retailers in Grand Central welcomed more than 300,000 people through their doors.  The million milestone was passed on Wednesday evening and management are optimistic that with the build-up to the festive season now underway then the figures could escalate even further in the coming weeks.

The success is being felt across the full roster of retail and dining brands.   Some retailers have reported a 95% increase on their initial expected sales targets. Similarly, the demand for the dining offering has been so high that one outlet has hired an additional 20 staff members, growing its team from 12 to 32 in just two weeks in order to ensure it meets the demands placed on it.

Jonathan Cheetham, general manager for Grand Central, said: “The million customers is just one aspect of Grand Central’s success.  More importantly, our retailers’ tills are ringing and the restaurants are full. Furthermore there are even more jobs being created and the feedback from our visitors is that they love the centre, are proud of it to be in the city, and will be returning.”

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “The early visitor numbers and reports from traders at Grand Central are staggering and confirm it is a transformational regeneration project for the city – solidifying Birmingham’s position at the top of the retail league table.

“The increased footfall, which we hope will continue into the busy Christmas period and beyond, will benefit not only the retailers within the new complex, but those based in the wider city centre too.

“Creating in the region of 1,000 jobs and a positive buzz about Birmingham, it is already very clear the council’s move to purchase the former Pallasades complex to help facilitate the New Street Station redevelopment and the creation of Grand Central was a crucial decision for the city’s economy and transport infrastructure.”