Morrisons in Merrion Centre expansion part of multi-million investment

MORRISONS’ store in Leeds’ Merrion Centre is set to undergo a complete regeneration as part of a multi-million pound investment.

The transformation plan involves combining the main store with the former Peacocks store next door which will increase the size by 10,000 sq ft.

Andy Newton, Morrisons director of format said: “We’ll be totally transforming the store – every aspect is being updated and improved. We’ll be making the format, layout and range much more relevant to shoppers who use it.

“It will be quicker and easier to shop whether you’re popping in for lunch or buying your weekly groceries.”

“We are going to phase the work to avoid having to close the store and most importantly to minimise any disruption for our customers. We’re looking forward to unveiling the changes and we think customers will like what they find.”

Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of The Merrion Centre said: “TCS have worked closely with Morrisons on the agreement and expansions plans and we are delighted that they have chosen to invest in its store at the Merrion Centre.

“The lengthy lease renewal shows a real commitment to the Merrion Centre and Leeds city centre. The store has long been an integral part of Merrion and provides a vital facility to people living in the city centre. This move will be a benefit for our shoppers and will complement the investments plans we have in place to improve the Merrion Centre.”

Work to transform the site will begin in March and be completed by late summer.
The investment in the Merrion Centre store comes just two months after Morrisons also opened two of its convenience stores, Morrisons M local, in the centre of Leeds on Infirmary Street and The Headrow.

The Merrion store was one of Morrisons first supermarkets, opening in 1972 and on average the store has over 50,000 customers a week.