Member Article

Morrisons expands at the Merrion Centre

The Morrisons supermarket in Leeds’ Merrion Centre is set to undergo a complete transformation and expansion into the former Peacocks site as part of a multi-million pound investment.

Opened in 1972, the Merrion store was one of Morrisons first supermarkets More than 50,000 customers a week pass through its doors making it one of Morrisons busiest stores. The transformation plan involves absorbing the former Peacocks unit next door which will increase the size by 10,000sqft and allow the grocer to change the layout and add a number of brand new features. Peacocks relocated to a new unit in the Centre last November as part of the expansion plans.

The new-look store will include a large ‘Fresh-To-Go’ section featuring a range of hot and cold food for shoppers on the move – particularly students and office workers. Those looking for a quick bite to eat can take advantage of a ‘Make Your Own Wrap’ bar or purchase pizza slices, hot soup, baked potatoes and takeaway coffee. The popular Morrisons salad bar will also be a new addition to the space created at the front of the store.

The current self-service checkouts will be replaced with new state of the art versions and will be spread out around the store in several locations making it simpler and quicker for shoppers to get in and out.

The Beers, Wines and Spirits section will be moved from its current separate location to be incorporated into the main store. For the first time, the range will include chilled beers and wines. The Morrisons Nutmeg clothing range of baby and children’s wear will also feature for the first time.

Andy Newton, Morrisons Director of Format said: “We’ll be totally transforming the store – every aspect is being updated and improved into what will be a superb state-of-the-art Morrisons. And 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.”

The current Market Street counters – fishmonger, butcher, delicatessen, oven fresh and bakery - will all be updated and a ‘Make Your Own Pizza’ station will be added. More space will be given over to fresh produce.

Andy Newton continued: “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 lease renewal until 2040 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.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .