Australian retailer eyes the West Midlands for its UK headquarters

Harvey Norman is currently in “advanced discussions” to establish  its UK headquarters in Sutton Coldfield.

The Australian-owned retailer, which has a global footprint of 317 stores, is planning on moving into The Gracechurch Centre and opening a store and UK office.

The lifestyle, technology and entertainment retailer’s expansion into the Midlands would be its second investment in the UK and its second venture in the West Midlands, following its previously-announced plans for a store at Dudley’s Merry Hill shopping centre.

The potential deal was revealed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who said he “instigated” the deal. Street is facing an uphill struggle to stay in office after a poll published yesterday put him 14 points behind Labour’s candidate Richard Parker with just over two weeks to go before the election.

Street said: “Harvey Norman is a global retail powerhouse that I am excited to welcome to the West Midlands. The new owners of The Gracechurch, BPG and SAV Group, are committed to regenerating Sutton Coldfield’s town centre, and the arrival of Harvey Norman will be a major statement of intent by all involved.”

Anton Nikolaenko, investment director of SAV Group, said: “We are working closely with all parties to welcome Harvey Norman to Royal Sutton Coldfield. The people of the town deserve a quality retail offer, and we hope to make further announcements in the near future.”