Merry Hill Case Study Flashcards
How large is Merry Hill in terms of the largest facilities of its type in the UK?
It is the 5th largest facility of its type in the U.K.
What years was Merry Hill built between and when did the first shop move in?
It was built between 1984-1989
The first shop moved in, in 1984
How many shops are there in Merry Hill?
200
How many catering outlets are there in Merry Hill?
Over 30
Give some examples of shops that are in Merry Hill (3)
Primark
Next
Marks & Spencer
Debenhams
What is the family entertainment zone called in Merry Hill which contains a play zone and mini golf?
Quest
How many screens does the cinema in Merry Hill have?
10
Give some examples of services located in Merry Hill (3)
Banks and building societies
Post office
Tourist information
What community facilities are there in Merry Hill?
Senior citizens’ clubs
Careers service
Citizens advice bureau
What motorway is Merry Hill particularly accessible from?
The M5
How many free car parking spaces are there in Merry Hill?
10,000
Where do the direct bus connections to Merry Hill go?
Dudley
Wolverhampton
Birmingham
How many customers visit Merry Hill each year?
24 million
What is the catchment of Merry Hill in excess of?
3 million
What is adjacent to the main shopping site of Merry Hill?
The waterfront which has offices and a marina area with bars and restaurants
What impacts did Merry Hill have on Brierly Hill?
1984: 1 shop closure
1988: 30 shop closures
The Moor shopping centre was opened at the same time but was unsuccessful
What impacts did Merry Hill have on Dudley?
- 25% fall in retail employment
2. Halfords, allied, WHSmith, Do-it-all left to locate in Merry Hill
What are the other impacts of Merry Hill?
- Built in the site of a steel works and Merry Hill farm- this was used by local people as a wildlife haven and was destroyed despite protests
- The development also removed the new landscaping and threatened the stability of the canal embankment on the hillside so the Dudley canal had to close traffic for several years
Responses to the criticisms of the impact of Merry Hill
- Merry Hill has been forced to respond to complaints from local towns that have suffered retail decline. The owners and local council leaders aim to connect and integrate Merry Hill with the town centre of Brierly Hill
- Dudley canal has been rerouted and new flats and houses have been built around the site with more expected to follow
