A MAJOR planning application to transform the Midlands’ largest shopping centre has been lodged with Dudley Council.

Merry Hill, which attracts around 18 million visitors a year, could see £10 million invested in transforming its main entrance.

Plans submitted by intu, the owner of the centre, include the installation of a large-format screen, as well as energy-saving LED lights which will change the colour of the centre’s exterior walls. 

Dudley News:

Pic - intu Merry Hill

The scheme is part of a series of improvements to the centre which has introduced free, high bandwidth WiFi, redesigned car parks and its bus station and made facilities more accessible to those with disabilities in order to keep its position as one of the West Midlands’ premier shopping destinations.

The company formally applied for planning permission last week and the application is expected to be heard by the council’s development committee early this year.