intu has begun a multi-million-pound makeover of the outside of intu Merry Hill in the latest phase of the popular destination’s ongoing transformation.

The project, which will cost in excess of £10 million aims to revamp the centre’s walls and entrances and follows on from the refurbishment of the centre's car parks and bus station over the last few years.

The popular shopping centre has also seen major investment from a series of brands who have opened new and bigger stores there in recent years, with more than 20 new and improved retailers arriving over the last 12 months including international retailer Mango and designer brand Hobbs.

Contractor Mac is carrying out the redevelopment work which will replace cladding, remodel entrances and install big screens and energy-saving LED lighting that can change the colour of intu Merry Hill’s walls. Work will finish this year. Nick Round, regional managing director at intu, said:

“This is an important stage in the ongoing transformation of one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations.

“intu Merry Hill centre is already a hot-spot for brands looking for locations where they can really flourish and the work that we are carrying out will drive up the centre’s appeal among retail and leisure brands and its impressive footfall.”

Paul McKenna, group CEO of the mac-group, added:

“intu Merry Hill is a prime retail destination for the region and we’re delighted to have been appointed by intu to transform the exterior of the shopping centre.

"It promises to be an extremely impressive finish, with discreet lighting hidden within the new cladding which will create a superb visual display, especially at night.”