Merry Hill (out of town shopping centre) Flashcards
Location
Near Dudley in the West Midlands
Located on Brierley Hill
It was fully occupied by 1988
How was it formed ?
It was a government enterprise zone (which gave incentivise for businesses moving into the area.) e.g relaxed planning and 10 year period exempt from business taxes
EZ zone consisted of the former steelworks as well as a large area of open space called Merry Hill Farm
What it looks like
A wide range of shops, including Littlewoods, M&S, Primark and H&M
Protected from the weather
Contains a cinema
Occupies a site of 50 HA
10,000 parking spaces
Over 185 shops and kiosks
1/3 largest facility of its type in the UK
Impact on surrounding area
Created 4,000 jobs
It has brought in 25 million shops a year
Many shops have relocated to Merry Hill
70% loss of trade in Dudley
Job loss in Dudley, as well as many cheap shops
Cheaper products in Merry Hill (as there is more competition)
Large number of businesses from Dudley and Sturbridge have relocated
When Dudley announced parking charges in Dudley, more people were driven to Merry Hill
Response
The Dudley canal has been relocated to better integrate merry hill
New flats and houses have been around the site
The Midland Metro tram system will reach the site in 2011
There will be a direct walkway between Brierley Hill centre and merry hill
Local factories are relocating to make room for more modern apartments, multi storey car parks and more businesses
