Merry Hill Case Study

Question 1

How large is Merry Hill in terms of the largest facilities of its type in the UK?

Answer 1

It is the 5th largest facility of its type in the U.K.

Question 2

What years was Merry Hill built between and when did the first shop move in?

Answer 2

It was built between 1984-1989

The first shop moved in, in 1984

Question 3

How many shops are there in Merry Hill?

Answer 3

200

Question 4

How many catering outlets are there in Merry Hill?

Answer 4

Over 30

Question 5

Give some examples of shops that are in Merry Hill (3)

Answer 5

Primark
Next
Marks & Spencer
Debenhams

Question 6

What is the family entertainment zone called in Merry Hill which contains a play zone and mini golf?

Answer 6

Quest

Question 7

How many screens does the cinema in Merry Hill have?

Answer 7

10

Question 8

Give some examples of services located in Merry Hill (3)

Answer 8

Banks and building societies
Post office
Tourist information

Question 9

What community facilities are there in Merry Hill?

Answer 9

Senior citizens’ clubs
Careers service
Citizens advice bureau

Question 10

What motorway is Merry Hill particularly accessible from?

Answer 10

The M5

Question 11

How many free car parking spaces are there in Merry Hill?

Answer 11

10,000

Question 12

Where do the direct bus connections to Merry Hill go?

Answer 12

Dudley
Wolverhampton
Birmingham

Question 13

How many customers visit Merry Hill each year?

Answer 13

24 million

Question 14

What is the catchment of Merry Hill in excess of?

Answer 14

3 million

Question 15

What is adjacent to the main shopping site of Merry Hill?

Answer 15

The waterfront which has offices and a marina area with bars and restaurants

Question 16

What impacts did Merry Hill have on Brierly Hill?

Answer 16

1984: 1 shop closure
1988: 30 shop closures
The Moor shopping centre was opened at the same time but was unsuccessful

Question 17

What impacts did Merry Hill have on Dudley?

Answer 17

1. 25% fall in retail employment

2. Halfords, allied, WHSmith, Do-it-all left to locate in Merry Hill

Question 18

What are the other impacts of Merry Hill?

Answer 18

1. 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
2. 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

Question 19

Responses to the criticisms of the impact of Merry Hill

Answer 19

1. 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
2. Dudley canal has been rerouted and new flats and houses have been built around the site with more expected to follow