Read in today's YEP (27/12/05) that Bar Phono in the Merrrion Centre is to close... to make way for development at the Merrion Centre!?! Anyone heard anything? Is it anything major or just a new shop or something?

no, but i hope they clear that site, though any extensive development is unlikely as Oceana, one of the biggest (or the biggest) club in Leeds has just opened there! probably just a refurb?

The centre really does need an overhall. Hopefully over the next couple of years something can be done to improve both the inside and out of the centre which will hopefully bring it into the 21st century.

There may be a refurb of some sort on the way as there was recently a planning application to do something with the stairway at the top entrance, hopefully clear that embarasing mess (including the derelict escalators) at that entrance.

Went to the new Oceana club a week ago and they have done a nice job on this. You can see where the money has gone. Despite my previous demands for demolition, I could see that the whole centre could become acceptible if the owners get their hands in their pockets. Oceana and Edwards corner actually looks ok when approaching from the Town Hall. The whole front end is beginning to look ok. The back end and the pebble effect mid rise need sorting, but I would think that with the Plaza going up so fast the owners are starting to realise that they could really have something worth developing.

I reported a few weeks back that Town Centre Securities, the owners of the Merrion Centre, were planning a reclad. Well, they presented to the local authority's City Centre Planning Panel and guess what the favoured material is:

"Phased re-cladding of the Merrion Centre, commencing with Town Centre House
Members considered a report by the Chief Planning and Development Services Officer setting out details of a pre-application to re-clad the Merrion Centre. The Panel received a storyboard presentation from representatives of the applicants and management of Town Centre Securities.

Members were informed that the current cladding needed to be replaced for Health and Safety reasons. It was the intention to replace the cladding with materials which could be easily cleaned and incorporate energy efficiencies where possible, but particularly with the replacement of the original aluminium single-glazed windows. The works were to be phased and would minimise disruption to the centre’s tenants.

The suggested materials would consist of a mainstream cladding system in variegated clay tile in a subtle range of colours. Samples of the range of clay tile colours available were shown to the Panel. A variety of coursing heights would be used together with zinc panels, glazing and curtain walling, and it was intended that the palette of materials could be continued over the whole redevelopment.

In response to questions from Members, the applicant’s representative explained that the choice of clay tile cladding had been made as it provided physical and visual durability and was the required weight for an overcladding project, unlike brick which would be too heavy. Some concerns were raised at the blandness of the proposed colours, and it was suggested that shades from the darker end of the spectrum could be included to give a dramatic effect.

Members welcomed the proposals and noted that further discussions would take place between the applicants and officers, prior to an application being submitted. Discussions would address those existing areas of the Merrion Centre which had some design merit, phasing and detailing of the recladding

RESOLVED - To note the report, the presentation and the comments now made."

I would have thought that clay tiles was another description for terracotta, so the planners' ban on this might not be so absolute as we thought.

Well it might be like a more brown clay rather than the bright red type we've seen around. It does look like it will be mixed with other materials and it's not always bad. The Light- one of my favourite buildings- has some terracotta. Anyway it can hardly get much worse. It might look really good, if and when we see renders.

The suggested materials would consist of a mainstream cladding system in variegated clay tile in a subtle range of colours...

...together with zinc panels

:ohno:

I guess a re-clad of any kind is better than nothing...

...or is it?

This isn't going to happen, but I'd think it would look quite good with a few floors added to it, particularly with K2 oppositeish it, I find that area has quite a city feel to it. I'm sure a reclad of it is good, in this case. If it is terracotta, it is quite a low rise builing so shouldn't be too much to complain about it. Remember it will be split up by the glass entrance, and the shop fronts...etc

I found this photo of the Odeon Merrion interior on t'internet.
I think it was taken at the heritage open day last year.
http://static.flickr.com/31/41719533_4a77540861.jpg?v=0

The Odeon Merrion Centre Leeds was the first cinema built in Leeds since the 1930's and had the shortest life. It cost £100,000 and was notable in that an induction loop for the hard of hearing was part of the design.

It opened August 17, 1964 and was designed by Gillinson and Barnett. The auditorium was externally a very plain brick box hidden from view in the Merrion Shopping Mall service area. It had a stadium plan with a well raked auditorium entered at 1st floor level with seats above and below entry level. The entrance was inside the Merrion Centre at 1st floor level.

The display panel is now mirrored but behind the entrance doors the cinema remains intact. It closed on October 1, 1977 with a revival of "Gone With The Wind" in 70mm. This was after the Odeon Headrow had been twinned and just before the 3rd screen was added there.

A waste of a fine modern and comfortable cinema which has not been used for anything useful since.

I don't see why they don't open it. Leeds could more than easily sustain another City Centre cinema, and it would certainly improve the Merrion Centre itself. The whole building could do with modernisation, but if it was simply to be modernised- no changes in the layout particularly, it could be quite an attraction in Leeds. The market hall in there is a total waste of space, a large unit could go there... It would make sense in every way to modernise it and reopen the cinema. It would improve the look, feel, retail experience, make financial sense- infact it is so obviously needing it I think it will probably happen in time. St. John's Centre (inside) has improved...

Leeds could more than easily sustain another City Centre cinema

I'm not sure whether a single-screen cinema could compete against a multiplex like Vue. Even if it had a programme of indie and international cinema, it would still be inadequate as a viewing space.

It does concern me however, that in revamping the Merrion Centre, we could be losing the last vestiges of '60s landmark architecture in Leeds. If the centre had been left in its original 'groovy' state, exemplified by the odeon lobby (with icicle chandeliers!), some subtle modernisation could have made it a unique retro shopping experience, a 'free love quarter' if you like.

As it is, it's simply a hole.


Geek trivia (no.334) Odeon planned a large art deco cinema for the Merrion Centre site in the 1930s, a bit like this one in Harrogate.

http://www.baugh.freeserve.co.uk/images/Odeon.jpg

It could be renovated in a 60's style... I doubt a developer would be that adventurous but still... The cinema in Harrogate too, IMO is a bit ugly- well it's been modernised now, so it doesn't look quite like that but all the bricks make it look like a big brown ugly block- also has broken windows... ODEON is a rip off too... The Merrion Centre either needs much better lighting, or making it really dark with lit up shops and decoration (aka day or night effect). They could move the China Town arcade shops up there... when the Harewood/Eastgate Qtr. gets built...

The cinema in Harrogate too, IMO is a bit ugly- well it's been modernised now, so it doesn't look quite like that but all the bricks make it look like a big brown ugly block

:ohno: You're joking No 1, the Harrogate Odeon is an absolute classic of art deco cinema architecture. One of Harrogate's gems.

hmmm, wasn't the council trying to encourage an independent cinema operator to develop and open a set of 'art house' cinemas on that car park site behind Walkabout and across the road from Portland Gate car park???

Surely this is a prime opportunity to cater to the student market and open a retro revival cinema. Am sure di livio would appreciate a Woody Allen double bill of Manhattan and Annie Hall. Or perhaps a Kurosawa themed day with The Seven Samuri etc. I could go on. Its a great location and students would lap it up - as would any discerning cinema goer fancying a classic on a proper big screen. Hmm, may formulate a business plan at the weekend.

I don't really like it, well its OK now its been renovated. I don't when you last went in, but it's not really art deco inside, it's all modern and new inside now, just like any other ODEON. I tend to pride Harrogate more on the old buildings than the new... Apparently it was one of the UK's first cinema's like that, it only has 5 screens anyway. I quite like the shapes on the front of it, I'd like to see a similar style with modern materials- steel on the curve, glass blade outlined with lighting or something?

As for Leeds, Idon't see why there couldn't be another cinema in Leeds. If it offered good value for money against Vue, then it could easily compete. I didn't hear about the council trying to encourage art house cinema's, but yes, a cinema would make sense to target students.

I don't really like it, well its OK now its been renovated. I don't when you last went in, but it's not really art deco inside, it's all modern and new inside now, just like any other ODEON.

I last went there to see Waynes World 2, er, a few years ago! Showing my age! ;) Yeah it certainly isn't Art Deco inside, as you say it's generic Odeon. The outside is lovely though!

Love your idea for an update of the classic art deco Odeon look, has it been done already? I seem to recall seeing a picture of one similar but don't know if it's just a figment of my imagination.

Have absolutely no idea- wouldn't suprise me, but it's certainly rare. Just thought: there aren't many buildings in any city that don't have bricks visible at all. I think a really interesting but simple (like art deco suppose) steel and glass building would look great.Could have a bit of an industrial look with a modern twist. Interesting...

They could move the China Town arcade shops up there...

That's a good idea. Stick something like Bombay stores in there, a few restaurants like the Lucky dragon, and you could have a shopping centre catering for minoity groups yet available and accessible to all.

Am sure di livio would appreciate a Woody Allen double bill of Manhattan and Annie Hall.

Lol.
Maybe i've been a bit unfair to old Woody. I'm actually a big fan of both those films.

I'm holding out for Leeds' version of Sheffield Showroom, a conversion of an older building which Guardian readers voted the best in the country in 2003.

http://citysnapper.org/chantrey/sheffield/photos1_2003/20030112050sheafsq.jpg

http://citysnapper.org/chantrey/sheffield/photos1_2003/20030112052paternosterrow.jpg

Piece in the YEP tonight (cba to copy n paste it) basically saying council have recieved application for 'pukey' coloured cladding (TSC call it 'subtle interesting colours'). Councillors basically all agreed we should knock it down, then agreed this was unlikely for at least 20years, then decided they had better make sure they get the cladding decision right.
As for me? Well I think that the site has huge potential obviously taking up such a large area. It's a dump as it is now but it's somewhere for the cheap shops and a few old fashioned independents. Hardly in-keeping with Leeds trendy image though and hardly makes a great 1st impression. I fear one day it might get protected status as an example of 60's architecture and as it was such a pioneer in it's day.
My best idea for a solution would be to flog the Morrissons part to Morrissons (If they don't already own it?) They could then redevelop it by sticking the car park underground and making the store bigger and modern. That would be a quarter of the Merrion done in one swoop. Multi Story car park could get away with cladding and then a nice new 30 storey tower block to raise more cash. If the tower and Morrisons were redeveloped like that and the Multistorey clad, the rest of it would barely be noticable.
Also they need to build or landscape the area where the outdoor escalators are...

I think they will redevelop it eventually- (Morrisons) pretty much all the Morrisons I know have been/are being modernised or rebuilt except this oen. So Im sure it's turn will come. It might be relocation though.

Owners want to upgrade the Merrion Centre
...but Leeds councillors want it demolished
By DAVID MARSH
THE owners of a ground-breaking centre which helped change the face of shopping in Leeds are facing calls for its demolition.
The multi-million pound Merrion Centre was at the forefront of a shopping revolution when it opened in 1964 boasting the city's first multi-storey car park.
It included shops, offices, leisure facilities, cafes and restaurants and paved the way for modern day "mixed use" developments.
Now with the centre showing its age and in need of some repairs, Town Centre Securities – the company which owns it – is proposing to give the development a facelift with a new cladding scheme.
But Coun Neil Taggart (Lab, Bramley) would like to see a comprehensive redevelopment of the city centre site.
He told the council's city centre plans panel: "I look forward to the day when the whole centre is demolished and redeveloped.
"It's very much of its time – the 1960s – and now looks sad and does nothing for the city's reputation."
He added that the Morrison's frontage in Woodhouse Lane was "the worst in the city centre and a disgrace to the city."
Coun Amanda Carter (Con, Calverley and Farsley) said: "Yes, we would like it demolished but unfortunately that's not the application in front of us."
Project
A report to the panel said Town Centre Securities was planning to reclad Town Centre House as phase one of a longer term project to upgrade the centre's main buildings.
It said the proposal included new windows, a glazed curtain wall and "interesting subtly shaded facades" to the building.
Coun Elizabeth Minkin (Lab, Kirkstall) welcomed the company's intention to invest in the centre but described the sand-coloured materials being proposed as "pukey."
She said: "If this is going to set the tone for further phases, then I don't think it's right."
Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "There's no prospect of the Merrion Centre being demolished in the near future.
"It will be here for the next two decades at least and therefore we need to get this scheme right."
The panel deferred a decision to allow for further discussions between planning officials and the company.
A company spokeswoman said they did not wish to comment on Coun Taggart's criticisms.

'Pukey'?

Mr. Taggart is right. Only I can't imagine what type of brand-spanking new development could be put in its place, I mean, it's hardly at the centre of the action is it?

Mr. Taggart may be right and I suppose most of us here on this board would heartily agree, but what if the company, for which I hold no brief, cannot afford to demolish and rebuild ? Will the city council subsidise or reimburse it to do so ? Of course it won't. I think we must be grateful that a refurbishment is on the cards and make sure that it is of good standard.

but what if the company, for which I hold no brief, cannot afford to demolish and rebuild ? Will the city council subsidise or reimburse it to do so ? Of course it won't. I think we must be grateful that a refurbishment is on the cards and make sure that it is of good standard.

Of course, simply wanting to demolish the centre will not make it happen, and I would welcome a quality re-clad. However, we all know from bitter experience that zinc pannelling and terracotta tiles leads to medicority at best.

But then again, i guess it won't be aiming to attract the likes of Selfridges or John Lewis. And at least a re-clasd is possible. The hideous St. Johns (once described as 'Hitler's Atlantic Wall') is beyond redemption.

Mr. Taggart may be right and I suppose most of us here on this board would heartily agree, but what if the company, for which I hold no brief, cannot afford to demolish and rebuild ? Will the city council subsidise or reimburse it to do so ? Of course it won't. I think we must be grateful that a refurbishment is on the cards and make sure that it is of good standard.

Sadly, Fred, I have to agree with you. There's no question of demolition since, inexplicably, the Merrion Centre is popular with retailers and shoppers alike.

I still think the best option is to flog the 'Morrissons end' to Morrissons, hope they redevelop that part themselves, then use the cash to do up the rest of the centre. I've always hoped for a footbridge from the top of the slope in the Merrion over the road into St Johns. There's always a million people stood at the crossing between the two...

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/56/10356.jpg
Why doesn't Morrissons expand its cramped shop into this space which has been empty for SOOO long?? And looks SOOO naff as it is.

Oh and I say start a campaign to bring back this guy:
http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/26/2002910_93861026.jpg
'20th Apil 1967 Leeds Town Crier Alan Holliday, outside the Merrion Centre. He was employed by the Merrion Centre. He was employed by the Merrion Centre in what to shout out every hour snippets of local and national news and shopping information. In the background the shopping centre can be seen before the roof was added over the pedestrian area'

All courtesy leodis.org - Merrion Centre was the ambitious project of the successful Leeds based property company, Town Centre Securities Ltd., led by Arnold Ziff. It was to cover 9 acres between Merrion Street, Wade Lane, Woodhouse Lane and Colbourg Street (to become Merrion Way).

He was employed by the Merrion Centre. He was employed by the Merrion Centre in what to shout out every hour snippets of local and national news and shopping information.

It would certainly distinguish Leeds from its shopping rivals... but not in good way.

from the council website:
CITY CENTRE PLANS PANEL 2 MARCH 2006
Address: Town Centre House, Merrion
Centre, Merrion Way, Leeds,
LS2 8NG
Applicant: Town Centre Securities
Proposal: Replacement windows and recladding to offices
RECOMMENDATION:GRANT permission subject to specified conditions outlined below

The proposal is for the replacement of windows in Town Centre House at the Merrion Centre, and the recladding in the form of overcladding of all elevations of Town Centre House. In addition, a glazed curtain wall is proposed running the full height of Town Centre
House above the Woodhouse Lane entrance to the Merrion Centre. This proposal is submitted as the first part of a cohesive phased programme of renovation of the Merrion Centre.
A document has been submitted in support of this proposal and this is:
- A Design Statement
- An Architectural Survey



the council looks in favour of this!

yay!!!

Like it or loathe it (and I'm in the latter camp), the Merrion Centre is here to stay. For anyone who's interested, the builders are now working on the first part of the revamp. A small section on Woodhouse Lane, near to the side entrance to the centre, has had seven kinds of shit knocked out of it and is now back to the bare concrete.

Good news of a sort is the fact that a branch of Costa's Coffee is to open there.

Costa Coffee? In the Merrion? Surely not? I always had the Merrion down as being full of cheap and cheerful shops... Now there's Oceana, Costa Coffee... Almost seems to be going a bit upmarket!
Can't believe the cinema still sits unused. I know single screens are out of fashion these days, but surely if it had simple low prices, and showed top films at sensible times it would make money? You install a couple of ticket machines and vending machines to save on ticket desk staff and snack shop staff, then just have one ticket checker and a projectionist... Ideally located to draw in the students too...

The application to re-clad Town Centre House at the Merrion Centre has been withdrawn last week.

I don't know what that means though, either they aren't bothering with it, or are planning something better.

i think it would be best to reclad it so it looks more modern even upgrade or improve it.if the council did demolish it i think it would be a waste of time.
knowing the council and the city centre it would take them ages to find a compnay to redevelop it and then actually getting the new plans constructed
and i dont think the council could jump to theese conclusions of someones going to buy.theres always a market in the city centre yes,but it will be another long term desiding developments.

didnt the queen open the merrion centre aswell ?

Now there's Oceana, Costa Coffee... Almost seems to be going a bit upmarket!


Are you really suggesting that Oceana is upmarket???!!!!

:eek2:

A debate on which are the best bars and clubs of Leeds could be interesting amongst you gents and ladies.

OK so I've not been in - but it has shiny lights on the outside...

Goodness me! How upmarket do you wanna get!? Somebody recommended it to me; I must say- cant give an opinion myself!

A debate on which are the best bars and clubs of Leeds could be interesting amongst you gents and ladies.

Well it's been a while since I've been out in Leeds City Centre but I used to be a big fan of HiFi club, Oporto and North Bar. Conversely I used to avoid any bar near the station or Boar Lane like the plague (full of drunken nobs) and same for any on Greek Street (full of drunken, boring suits).

I have never had the pleasure of visiting Oceana but since it used to be Edwards I am fairly confident that it is still attacting a similar crowd and is therefore not in the remotest upmarket despite all the money that was spent on it.

Edwards is still there - Oceana is next door - it's effectively a new entrance to what used to be Ritzy's I believe...

The application to re-clad Town Centre House at the Merrion Centre has been withdrawn last week.

I don't know what that means though, either they aren't bothering with it, or are planning something better.

Maybe the upcoming Eastgate/Harewood & Trinity Q have made them upgrade their plans?....
I was under the impression that the reclad was for H&S reasons more than anything?... Although the councillors really didn't like the proposals very much.

I've said it before - I think Morissons investment is the key to really improving things here...

A debate on which are the best bars and clubs of Leeds could be interesting amongst you gents and ladies.

It's all about Jake's bar. Period.

You're not far wrong there Credulous. Jake & crew do a grand job!

Where is said legendary Jake's bar?

Its on the top of Call Lane next door to the Corn Exchange. I think its only been there for a couple of years or so. Its in a location of quite a nice cluster of places which as well as Jakes there is BRB, Oporto, old Revolution (ok its a chain but it seems to have a better atmos than the Mill Sq branch in my opinion) and of course Normans the place with no sign displaying the name which instead is just a plain glass frontage and all are nice places and where I recommed you should go to have a good night out in Leeds. Other than that may I suggest Elbow Rooms on the Calls easily the best place in Leeds to play pool and of course the one and only Otley Run pub crawl for ideas for a good boozing session.

Its on the top of Call Lane next door to the Corn Exchange. I think its only been there for a couple of years or so. Its in a location of quite a nice cluster of places which as well as Jakes there is BRB, Oporto, old Revolution (ok its a chain but it seems to have a better atmos than the Mill Sq branch in my opinion) and of course Normans the place with no sign displaying the name which instead is just a plain glass frontage and all are nice places and where I recommed you should go to have a good night out in Leeds. Other than that may I suggest Elbow Rooms on the Calls easily the best place in Leeds to play pool and of course the one and only Otley Run pub crawl for ideas for a good boozing session.

I'm showing my age here but I used to frequent Norman when it first opened in about 98, it was very cool for a few years (the toast door was a thing of Leeds legend!) but really rapidly went downhill about 2001 due to a lax door policy. I've been in a couple of times since and hated it.

Only been in Jakes once but remember the music policy being pretty good!

Well, looks like I'm resurecting an ancient thread here!

The Merrion market has turned into a gastronomic heaven, seemingly overnight. There is currently an Indian food store, beautiful herb/spices/fruit/veg etc that is dirt cheap. There is also a Rice and Peas cafe (absolutley tremendous), a noodle bar ( again cheap as chips), a Caribbean greasy spoon and an Etheopian cafe/restaurant. I've been working in town for the last week and discovered these by accident, try them, you won't be disappointed. They all serve fantastic food. It got me thinking, most of the market is deserted, wouldn't it be great if it was full of food establishments from all over the world? It could happen - spread the word!

ive heard that Fuji Hero is awesome

ive heard that Fuji Hero is awesome

It looks a bit like a chippie with its formica-topped tables and the staff can be a bit brusque. But the food is great and it's cheap; try one of their bowls of ramen. You'll be full to bursting by the time you get through one. One of the comforting things about Fuji Hiro as well is that it never seems to change, so your favourite dishes are always on the menu.

Well, looks like I'm resurecting an ancient thread here!

The Merrion market has turned into a gastronomic heaven, seemingly overnight. There is currently an Indian food store, beautiful herb/spices/fruit/veg etc that is dirt cheap. There is also a Rice and Peas cafe (absolutley tremendous), a noodle bar ( again cheap as chips), a Caribbean greasy spoon and an Etheopian cafe/restaurant. I've been working in town for the last week and discovered these by accident, try them, you won't be disappointed. They all serve fantastic food. It got me thinking, most of the market is deserted, wouldn't it be great if it was full of food establishments from all over the world? It could happen - spread the word!

Gonna have to check this out !, sounds like a great idea.. world wide international cuisine ! Although the menu already seems quite extensive, How about some world wide beers to go with that ? :booze:

ive heard that Fuji Hero is awesome

I'm gonna have to give this a try, I'll let you know

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/airportsuk/africanhut-fufu1.jpg

Yummy!!!!!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/airportsuk/africanhut-fufu1.jpg

Yummy!!!!!

Only one thing missing there mate, The obligatory pint !

I don't know mate... I think you'd need a few before you even dream of touching that!!!

Well, looks like I'm resurecting an ancient thread here!

The Merrion market has turned into a gastronomic heaven, seemingly overnight. There is currently an Indian food store, beautiful herb/spices/fruit/veg etc that is dirt cheap. There is also a Rice and Peas cafe (absolutley tremendous), a noodle bar ( again cheap as chips), a Caribbean greasy spoon and an Etheopian cafe/restaurant. I've been working in town for the last week and discovered these by accident, try them, you won't be disappointed. They all serve fantastic food. It got me thinking, most of the market is deserted, wouldn't it be great if it was full of food establishments from all over the world? It could happen - spread the word!

Talking of gastronomic heavens ...have you been to Bradford Oastler Market!

What do you all think about the fact that the bowling centre is down so many stairs and refuses to put any accessin for disabled people.

It would be hard to provide access to that particular bowling alley. I'm sure they won't of just 'refused'.

There are strict regulations about disabled access into public businesses. However, they only have to provide these facilities if it is considered commercially reasonable, otherwise they can be exempt.

LOOK, ... they've gone!

After how many years?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid223/p5a1cc7ebc149eb6a95bc86068abee29c/eac8fe2a.jpg

Oh my!

Bloody hell interesting that the long derelict escalator has been removed after goodness knows how many years of disuse. Just a couple of things though is will they ever remodel this area properly and has anyone noticed the empty subway which is just used for holding stuff like fencing, signs etc and quite visible are early 1990s adverts for the Radio Times (with just four channels shown) and advertising Frosties at Morrisons and would they cover over the top of that to allow for more pedestrian space?

As for the sculpture why don't they put it back inside the Merrion Centre and why did they put it out of the sticks here in the first place?

Wow thanks for the pic! Don't think I wudda believed it until I saw with my own eyes...
Can't imagine they're putting in new ones!! Guessing at Health & Safety risk assessment?
Suprised this land has never been sold off/developed.
I think the sculpture is out there because it's hideous! Wonder how much they paid for it in the 'olden days'.

Anyone else ever seen outdoor escalators? I never have! Anyone remember them working (that means you Fred)?

There are two in Cardinal Place in Victoria, London. They work fine, day and night, though for some reason, people don't seem to like using them and prefer the stairs, even though it's quite a hike!

Subliving.

Anyone else ever seen outdoor escalators? I never have! Anyone remember them working (that means you Fred)?

I seem to have been unwittingly acquired the role of resident elder statesman here ! :)

No, I don't remember these escalators working, but there used to be a working one at the Merrion Street entrance.
As to outside escalators, what about that one at the bottom of Albion Street? That is still operating though it was out of action yesterday for maintenance.

I think the sculpture is out there because it's hideous!

Are you mad? It's much too good to be shoved away beneath Merrion House.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/citylife/images/statue_androgyne_150.jpg

^^ I'll be happy if it is the only reminder of the 60s brutality in Leeds.

No, I don't remember these escalators working, but there used to be a working one at the Merrion Street entrance.


Oh my goodness they must have been out of action for ages. I wonder how long they worked for.

I found out something interesting today. Apparently the council offices in Merrion House are on a 50 year lease signed in 1977!

But they're (or we're) not moving anywhere....sadly. The hulking V-shaped slab of doom will be assaulting our eyes for years to come.

Does anyone know when the Merrion Centre was "roofed"??

(purely out of interest if anyone asks!)

Does anyone know when the Merrion Centre was "roofed"??

(purely out of interest if anyone asks!)

Can't say exactly, but probably about 4-5 years after it was opened in 1964.

Oh my goodness they must have been out of action for ages. I wonder how long they worked for.

Not sure, but I did hear an explanation as to why they fell into such a state. They were actually in the ownership of the Council, despite seemingly being part of the Merrion Centre, and there was dispute for years over who should be responsible for their repair and maintenance. Apparently it was finally resolved last year when both parties finally saw sense, and LCC sold them to Town Centre Securities.

For a pound.

Lo and behold they are gone; I believe a good old-fashioned set of steps will be going in.

I would like to nail my colours firmly to the side of the Merrion Centre at this point; I am a fan. The approved plans for Town Centre House, and the aim to replicate the new 'Costa Coffee' style frontage along Woodhouse Lane both look good, but I hope the character of the place isn't changed too much. What I mean is, I like the egg boxes and want them to stay! And I like the Junction 7 bar and I want it to stay! And I like the Morrisons signs and I want them to stay!

If you analyse the Merrion in terms of it's plan, it's pretty good. It forms 'streets' and routes through in a way which new buildings seek to do - look at the plan for a new arcade through the Headrow centre, for example. I think that gives the centre a robustness, which means that however it is altered in the future it will remain substantially the same. The new Costa unit looks fantastic, and that has been achieved through fairly subtle alterations around the existing frame. The Merrion's strength - and one of the reasons I like it - is that big differences can be made through small changes.

The approved plans for Town Centre House, and the aim to replicate the new 'Costa Coffee' style frontage along Woodhouse Lane both look good


Despite a worrying strip of grey plastic, I'm surprised at how respectful the Costa Coffee frontage has turned out to be (even though i haven't see the finished article yet). While I'd support replacing the brown brick with red terracotta tiling, I'd be less impressed with grey plastic cladding replacing the mosaic tiles on Town Centre House.

Are you saying their renovating town centre house?

Are you saying their renovating town centre house?

Town Centre Securities were granted planning approval for a scheme late last year. It's necessary before the current cladding falls off.

I think it's to be reclad in a terracotta-ish style - I can't quite remember. They were talking about vari-coloured cladding though, so it more closely resembles brick - rather than, say, the single shade cladding on the new parts of the Light. On the side facing Woodhouse Lane, they'll be an internally illuminated glazed staircase, the glazing wrapping on to a predominantly glazed new floor to be added on top.

At the same time, the Hobby Shop unit will be extended towards Woodhouse Lane, into the area where the news kiosk is - which has closed. This will remove the alcoholic's meeting space and help lessen the impact of the Morrisons service exit. The entrance to the Merrion Centre will therefore be nearer to Woodhouse Lane, and expressed by a high level (fourth or fifth floor) glazed canopy, supported by a pole.

So if yu have the full plans for the merrion centre post them.Do you know if they will renovate merrion house.

So if yu have the full plans for the merrion centre post them.Do you know if they will renovate merrion house.

It was all from memory, leeds the best. I can maybe arrange a brain scan, but I told you all I know...

Ok sircw i just thought id enquire this place needs renovating and fast .Thanks for the info u got anyone else got any?

Ok sircw i just thought id enquire this place needs renovating and fast .Thanks for the info u got anyone else got any?

If you are so desperate to know, leeds the best, contact TCS and ask them !

Piece in the YEP tonight (cba to copy n paste it) basically saying council have recieved application for 'pukey' coloured cladding (TSC call it 'subtle interesting colours'). Councillors basically all agreed we should knock it down, then agreed this was unlikely for at least 20years, then decided they had better make sure they get the cladding decision right.
As for me? Well I think that the site has huge potential obviously taking up such a large area. It's a dump as it is now but it's somewhere for the cheap shops and a few old fashioned independents. Hardly in-keeping with Leeds trendy image though and hardly makes a great 1st impression. I fear one day it might get protected status as an example of 60's architecture and as it was such a pioneer in it's day.
My best idea for a solution would be to flog the Morrissons part to Morrissons (If they don't already own it?) They could then redevelop it by sticking the car park underground and making the store bigger and modern. That would be a quarter of the Merrion done in one swoop. Multi Story car park could get away with cladding and then a nice new 30 storey tower block to raise more cash. If the tower and Morrisons were redeveloped like that and the Multistorey clad, the rest of it would barely be noticable.
Also they need to build or landscape the area where the outdoor escalators are...

The Merrion Centre is dire although I think a renovation/recladding would be better than tearing it down for a rebuild. I think its important to keep the cinema in the building as it is part of the city's history. I look forwards to seeing that when I visit on Heritage days :)

Morrisons definitely needs an overhaul- the place is a dump and depressing! Most of their stores are though, so how about we get a Tesco instead? At least their shops are bright and modern.

As for the old shops, sorry but they definitely shouldnt be got rid of. They are what make Leeds unlike many "clone" town centres - unique small shops are brilliant and give much more variety to the people. I think leeds should set up a preservation fund for some of these small shops to protect them against the fierce competition of multiple retailers moving into close proximity if anything

Are you mad? It's much too good to be shoved away beneath Merrion House.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/citylife/images/statue_androgyne_150.jpg

:colgate: That sculpture is horrible, but I dont think the dank and gloomy surroundings it sits in does anything for it. I certainly dont think its should be got rid of though, if placed in nicer surroundings (maybe a few bushes and a couple of shiney benches even) it would look better.

Its been around there forever though and should be for some time to come!

The Merrion Centre is dire although I think a renovation/recladding would be better than tearing it down for a rebuild. I think its important to keep the cinema in the building as it is part of the city's history. I look forwards to seeing that when I visit on Heritage days :)

It's strange to me the way the Merrion Odeon has acquired such status these days. It's a one screen cinema that was open for just over a decade in the sixties and seventies. The only interesting things about it are that it's shut and everyone had forgotten about it. And the old furnishings in the foyer, which would have been ripped out years ago if Town Centre Securities weren't too tight to pay to do it. But suddenly everyone thinks it's a wonderful part of our history that must be saved, and I'm sure there'll be a campaign to save it when TCS try to open a shop in there or something. Ever seen it from the outside? It's not a pretty building.

It's similar to the way everyone thinks the Merrion Centre is dire. I don't understand by what measure one can say that. The main part of the centre is clean, bright, modern, with many medium-range shops and cafe's and very few empty units. It is always busy. There are a number of very popular bars, and two nightclubs, one of which has won national awards. The office parts are occupied and the hotel presumably turns a profit. Central Leeds' only supermarket - for now - is there, and while internally it has dated it's only a refurbishment away from being up to standard. As it is, it's a focal point for the city centre.

The Georgian Arcade and the market need investment and some new thinking, and I can think of several areas for improvements. But as a whole, the Merrion Centre is a successful and vibrant place, and an integral part of the city.

The problem is everyone thinks it's dire because it's grey. The Woodhouse Lane frontage gives a bad impression, that hides what is really going on. Well, Costa Coffee has shown how simple that is to change. One of the beauties of the Merrion is it's modular form of construction. The frame forms regular boxes, so it's simple to take down a wall to make a unit double the size, or put one up to split it, and simple to take the frontage out and put a new on within the existing structure. Now Costa is getting so many positive comments, I don't think it'll be long before that whole section matches it and receives similar praise. And how come? Because the Merrion Centre is a clever enough building to allow quick changes to make massive differences.

It's true of the whole centre. It's not going to take much to take a successful urban, mixed use development look like the success it is.

It's strange to me the way the Merrion Odeon has acquired such status these days. It's a one screen cinema that was open for just over a decade in the sixties and seventies. The only interesting things about it are that it's shut and everyone had forgotten about it. And the old furnishings in the foyer, which would have been ripped out years ago if Town Centre Securities weren't too tight to pay to do it. But suddenly everyone thinks it's a wonderful part of our history that must be saved, and I'm sure there'll be a campaign to save it when TCS try to open a shop in there or something. Ever seen it from the outside? It's not a pretty building.

Yeh, I agree its odd, I know it is nothing special but theres something about it. I think just seeing how it used to be, sometimes its nice to have some things left untouched. I'll put a couple of photos I have of it up soon in case anyone is interested in it =)

I dont usually like Costa, although I havent been to the one on the side of the Merrion Centre yet so Im going to go tomorrow now you reminded me! =D

..

:lol: Yeh! Does anyone know if the statue of the man on a bike still goes off every hour?

It's strange to me the way the Merrion Odeon has acquired such status these days...

What a great post.

I can't understand why the Merrion Centre is so hated either, except for, as you say, the exterior. Generally, it's a successful shopping centre which, with a little imagination, could be turned into the country's first self-consciously retro shopping centre.

I found this blog entry which fits with my thinking on this,

The 50s and 60s were especially influenced by functionalism, everything from shopping malls, to gas stations to apartment complexes. They blended big chunks of concrete with glass, steel and wood to create a semi-futuristic look. I especially remember the distinct greyish look of the department stores when I was a kid. Of course they are all gone or totally revamped now, but I dug in my archives and came up with these three postcards depicting Swedish department stores and shopping malls during the 60s and 70s. I think there is a certain magical almost dreamy feel to them. Ever wondered why old-timers say that it was better back in the days? They were right. They always were.



http://blog.thirdphaze.com/uploaded_images/tempo1-794635.jpg


http://blog.thirdphaze.com/uploaded_images/tempo2-750326.jpg

.............just one of the many Yorkshire Evening Post readers who contacted us with their stories after we were given a tour of the old Odeon, which has lain virtually undisturbed since closing in 1977.
It is hidden away on the Merrion's first floor above Woolworths, and many shoppers have no idea it is there at all.
The site's owners now want to put it to new use as part of a major refurbishment of the shopping centre.

http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2103189&SectionID=39

.............just one of the many Yorkshire Evening Post readers who contacted us with their stories after we were given a tour of the old Odeon, which has lain virtually undisturbed since closing in 1977.
It is hidden away on the Merrion's first floor above Woolworths, and many shoppers have no idea it is there at all.
The site's owners now want to put it to new use as part of a major refurbishment of the shopping centre.

http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2103189&SectionID=39

Good spot. I hope they resist the temptation to 'modernise' (ie. destroy) the fixtures and fittings of the old Odeon.

Merrion Centre gets new look 20 June 2007
Leeds City Centre’s popular and busiest shopping centre, The Merrion Centre, is about to undergo a major face-lift as work commences on the recladding of Town Centre House and the Woodhouse Lane elevation of The Merrion Centre. The Centre will continue to trade as normal as approximately 15 months of work begin. A series of planning approvals have been granted in respect of these projects with Oceana nightclub and Costa Coffee being amongst earlier phase of works undertaken to-date. The recladding works to Town Centre House that are scheduled to begin in earnest in July 2007 will be the most significant phase of improvements so far.

The scheme comprises a full reclad of all the offices at Town Centre House and along Woodhouse Lane. The building will be largely reclad in Yorkshire sandstone and the window fenestration will change remarkably with a strong vertical curtain wall glazed feature dropping all the way down the northwest elevation. Town Centre House will also be extended by one further office floor and a newly extended shop at those premises formerly occupied by The Model Centre.The entrance into the Merrion Centre from Woodhouse Lane will be significantly improved with automated doors, new pavings and the building will have a far more contemporary quality and style appealing to old and new customers alike.

Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive said: “We are pleased to be starting this phase of our major revitalisation programme for The Merrion Centre after many months of planning. The work has been designed to ensure that normal daily activity for all of our tenants, customers and visitors can continue unfettered. We have carefully looked at all logistical and health and safety aspects of this project to ensure that those trading from and visiting The Merrion Centre can go about their normal daily business.” In addition to producing a far more stylish and attractive elevation to Woodhouse Lane, the interior of Town Centre House will also be given an overhaul with newly refurbished office accommodation and improved lifts and access. The new office accommodation will incorporate a ‘state of the art’ heating and cooling system incorporating heat recovery. New exteriors and insulation will significantly reduce heat loss and minimise operational costs and contribute to consequent reductions in Town Centre House’s carbon footprint. These energy efficiencies will be further complemented by improvements to the interior lighting such as movement sensors (passive infra-red controls) ensuring lights are turned off when not required.

Helen Beckett, Asset Manager comments: “In keeping with our environmental policy, Town Centre Securities PLC anticipate receiving a very good BREAMM rating reflecting the fact that the building will be far more energy efficient with reduced carbon emissions. Town Centre Securities PLC believe Town Centre House will be the only refurbished office building in the Leeds Northern Office Quarter to boast such a rating. Town Centre House should become the building of choice for today’s socially responsible, quality and value conscious occupier.”

Lead Contractor: HBG Construction Limited: Project Managers/Cost Consultants: Gleeds Management Services; Architects: Building Design Partnership; Structural Engineers: Deakin Walton; Mechanical Engineers: Lachmann’s; Office Leasing Agents: John McNeill - Eddisons 0113 2430101; Sarah Butt/Michael Leonard -Hill Woolhouse 0113 2470999




http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch1400.jpg

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tchnight400.jpg

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch2400.jpg

..

That does look good and the sandstone would undoubtedly improve from what is there at present and be better then what I feared could have been more grey plastic over the existing building. Presumably the refurbishment would go down to the main entrance of Oceana nightclub. Are there any renders of the bottom end of this first phase of refurbishment and are there any timescales for refurbishment of the rest of the centre especially for Merrion House :puke: and for the old Odeon cinema? Anyway it will be excellent to see the Merrion Centre updated for the 21st century.

I'm guessing that the southern end will be reclad too? I hope they repleace that ridiculously steep slope with escalators, travelators or even just steps/lift for disabled access!

Also, is it the busiest shopping centre in Leeds? I would have thought the SJ centre was busier?

I'm guessing that the southern end will be reclad too? I hope they repleace that ridiculously steep slope with escalators, travelators or even just steps/lift for disabled access!

Also, is it the busiest shopping centre in Leeds? I would have thought the SJ centre was busier?

Ironically, there used to be elevators at the southern ramp when the merrion had its previous roof. They were removed when the present glass roof was installed and floor replaced about 15 years ago now. I agree it does need the esculators put back, flat ones like they have at airports would be good.

The slanted floors are a health hazard. Ever tried walking down them after it's been raining and people's wet feet have made it slippy? It's pretty difficult and I'd imagine for pensioners it's even harder.
The renders look brilliant and the Merrion Centre will no longer have a nagative impact on Leeds' streetscape.
Is the Morrisons going to be done? Thats the worst part.

Yeah; they are dangerous.

a flat escalator=travelator :) Maybe a better investment to use the space better/eliminate the need for a lift.

The slanted floors are a health hazard. Ever tried walking down them after it's been raining and people's wet feet have made it slippy?

I walked down there in leather soled shoes on a rainy day a few years ago. It was a slapstick farce that the Chuckle Brothers would be proud of. :D

Remember in Scooby Doo when they try to run away and just run on the spot? Much like that! :lol:

The slanted floors are a health hazard. Ever tried walking down them after it's been raining and people's wet feet have made it slippy? It's pretty difficult and I'd imagine for pensioners it's even harder.
The renders look brilliant and the Merrion Centre will no longer have a nagative impact on Leeds' streetscape.
Is the Morrisons going to be done? Thats the worst part.

In one of the renders, you can see the morrisons and it is the same as it is now. Maybe it will be in the next phase of the redevelopment. I do quite like the groovy rounded squares though, will be sad to see them go (whenever they do).

I walked down there in leather soled shoes on a rainy day a few years ago. It was a slapstick farce that the Chuckle Brothers would be proud of. :D

Remember in Scooby Doo when they try to run away and just run on the spot? Much like that! :lol:

Lol. (i added my own sound effects)

Well this is a surprise. Dibbers reckons you can't polish a turd, but i have to disagree. It's clean and modern but it also respects the original fabric of the Merrion centre. Eyesore no more.

At last!! Great news.

This will mean that we have the new Eastgate & Trinity Quarters, refurbished Shopping Plaza, Allders building, St Johns & 'Core', repaved Briggate, Albion St and Central Sq, the modern 'Light' shopping centre and eventually a nice Merrion!!!

Not much left to improve.... (except THAT alleyway off Briggate)

Ironically, there used to be elevators at the southern ramp when the merrion had its previous roof. They were removed when the present glass roof was installed and floor replaced about 15 years ago now. I agree it does need the esculators put back, flat ones like they have at airports would be good.

I don't remember this, the Merrion got a new roof 15 years ago? And there were escalators at the southern (St John's?) on of the entrance?

I don't remember them

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch1400.jpg


Hmm, notice how the 'Varsity' section of the facade is covered in grey plastic panelling? Presumably, only the office elements will be in stone, leaving the rest of the complex looking like Oceana. Could be awkward.

Hmm, notice how the 'Varsity' section of the facade is covered in grey plastic panelling?

how do you know its gray plastic ? even if it is it's not much.

how do you know its gray plastic ? even if it is it's not much.

Because the Costa Coffee has already been clad using grey plastic panels and the render would appear to indicate the same panelling for the old brown brick section above Varsity.

It's good to see three levels looking out onto the street though.

I've seen Costa but cant remember the grey plastic look. Was it similar to that of Park Plaza Podium? If it turns out like that, then I'm not complaining.

..

www.merrionshopping.com/

Looks like there could be a website for this development.
This image of Costa is taken from the TCS website. While I obviously don't like the strip of grey plastic, the black granite is the dog's testicles.

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/costa1b.jpg

cheers for that. not too much gray :)

cheers for that. not too much gray :)

Not quite as grey as...


http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/gallery/2005/03/23/John-Major.jpg

That was so realistic, he (the real Major) really did look just like that.

That used to be my favourate weekly show, and nothing has beaten it since.

Part of my general rule of thumb - when trying to come to an opinium as to whether a building is good or bad is based on whether it will improve an area or the opposite.

The works I think will improve this area, they mirror those works already done by oceana and costa unifying this section of the merrion centre. I dont think the merrion centre will ever be beutiful but atleast were heading in the right location.

Improved and unimproved side by side at the site of the new Sainsbury's. I assume that the brickwork on the upper storeys will be reclad. The little kiosk further up the street has now been removed to make way for the extension you can see in the second of the renders that tomd89 posted.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/13%20July%202007/P1010234.jpg?t=1184598497

..

Minor piece of news is that a sign has gone up the front of the Sainsbury Local saying that it will open on the 7th September. However the unit between Sainsburys and Varsity appears to let.

Also does this refurbishment of the Merrion Centre mean that the Nevisport and craft shop in between that and Costas will be vacated to require refurbishment or will this be just external modification which will allow the stores to stay open during refurbishment?

Couple of things I noticed in the Merrion Centre is that on the empty former Model Zone unit is plastered with renders of the refurbishment and the signs are covering other empty units as well as interestingly the former Odeon cinema has been plastered with news of the refurbishment. Could be nothing but could they be finally planning a new use for this cinema.

Also in the Merrion minor stuff such as a new shop sign for Woolworths and Benjys appears to being refitted into a cafe (whose name I forgot) my guess an independent sandwich / coffee shop as I thought Benjys went bust a year ago. Are Morrisons ever going to refurbish their store with the impending opening of a Sainsburys at the centre?

Are Morrisons ever going to refurbish their store with the impending opening of a Sainsburys at the centre?

Well i'll be shopping at Sainsburys instead of that hell hole. I'd imagine many more will do the same. Hopefully this will force Morrisons into action. It's like a time warp in there.

Noticed today that in the empty shop unit next to Poundstrecher, theres a architects render of the whole of the Woodhouse lane elevation. Unfortunatly, the brown brick box above the new Sainsburys and Varsity is going to be clad in silver (grey) panels. Better than nothing I suppose, some Portland stone would have looked much better imo.

The reason they clad in those panels is that it's cheaper and more cost effective for such a development. Portland stone must be many times more expensive. It just wouldn't be cost effective for the developers in such a development where the return isn't going to be that huge anyway.

Subliving.

And the makeover of the Merrion Centre is well under way



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010133.jpg?t=1187980018



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010134.jpg?t=1187980046

And the makeover of the Merrion Centre is well under way



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010133.jpg?t=1187980018



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010134.jpg?t=1187980046


will this only make morrisons next door look even worse?

will this only make morrisons next door look even worse?

I love the Morrisons cladding, it's pleasingly 70's retro!

I love the Morrisons cladding, it's pleasingly 70's retro!

Count me in too, the morrisons cladding is rather funky, if it was given a clean and the bottom with the white grills tarted up it could look very attractive!

It looks like Morrisons are attempting some kind of refurb inside. Possibly trying to do it whilst keeping the store open. The veg section has been stripped and extended. Loooooooonnnnnnnng overdue.

It looks like Morrisons are attempting some kind of refurb inside. Possibly trying to do it whilst keeping the store open. The veg section has been stripped and extended. Loooooooonnnnnnnng overdue.

Certainly good news and undoubtedly probably because of the recent Morrisons rebrand as well as the opening of a Sainsburys Local nearby as a refit was so desperately needed as its brown and beige decor was like stepping back in time. Would this expand the floor area of the store as I believe it still has a stock room something which many supermarkets have removed for extra trading space and could this happen at the Merrion Morrisons? Surely with the refurbishment of the store could we see the possible refurbishment of the store as next phase of the refurbishment of the Merrion Centre and the removal of 1960s Morrisons signs?

I think a full size supermarket in the city centre is a great asset for Leeds, and must be great for those living on the edge of the centre and the students. But as it stands it's a bit of an embarrasment at the same time. As I've said before they should surely expand into that weird empty corridor inside the Merrion?

It'll be good to see the Merrion done up.
Shopping in Morrisons really is depressing and incredibly cramped.
Do they have a large supermarket anywhere in Headingley?

It'll be good to see the Merrion done up.
Shopping in Morrisons really is depressing and incredibly cramped.
Do they have a large supermarket anywhere in Headingley?

Somerfield is fairly big but quite expensive. Nearest large supermarket is probably Morrisons in Kirkstall.

A big decent supermarket like a Tesco or ASDA would do brilliantly in Headingley with all the students that live there.
I don't want to have to shop at Somerfield it's crap :(

Yep, just been in Morrisons today and it's getting a new floor! There's lots of signs around saying a new look store is coming soon. Sounds good, however it will be great if the legendary 1970's Morrisons signs are kept.

Well the new logo is a complete disaster so don't hope too much on that account either way.

It's slightly better than the old one, but still looks a bit ... cheap.

http://www.morrisons.co.uk/Consumer/Resources/images/logo_Morrison.jpg

I don't think it is better than the old one. Not that I like the old one either. The font and colours are both wrong. Its all about bold vibrant colours these days not faded colours like that. The font. Ugly as hell. That yellow oval needs to be a circle too.

I think simple primary colours and simple fonts and logos gives a cheap image, I may have read that somewhere but it's certainly true for me. I'm surprised they didn't just sharpen up the image a bit, they've got a good name now so could have gone a little but more sophisticated.

I dont think so. Primary colours and simple fonts work well, but not necessarily Primary colours. Simple fonts that work well, with primary/secondary colours: Harvey Nichols, Quiksilver, Selfridges, Topshop, HMV, Marks and Spencer etc. Others with more complicated fonts or logo's, but the colours allowing it to be like that are Starbucks, Virgin, Costa, H&M, Billabong.

Maybe it's just yellow backgrounds that look cheap?

Yellow can look stunning and bold. All colours can when used properly. Selfridges- prime example.

Its because its a faded yellow- thats why it doesnt work. Its an oval- so theres no bold shape there. It needs to be a circle, or a square or something else.

The green doesnt work- its also faded. Green needs to be used well too; like Starbucks green, or John Lewis/Waitrose Green. It would work better with better typography.

That logo puts me off shopping there; I cant believe a designer in the 21st century comes up with that rubbish. It looks like its from the 70s.

My Myspace is black and yellow and doesnt look that bad :s

:hammer: ... :nuts:

It's only a logo! The new format that is now being implemented in Morrisons stores is much nicer, it was the dated look inside of the stores that was a turn off, not the sign outside.

Yes, agreed, the new standard Morrisons format is good, and very popular.

Yellow can look stunning and bold. All colours can when used properly. Selfridges- prime example.

Its because its a faded yellow- thats why it doesnt work. Its an oval- so theres no bold shape there. It needs to be a circle, or a square or something else.

The green doesnt work- its also faded. Green needs to be used well too; like Starbucks green, or John Lewis/Waitrose Green. It would work better with better typography.

That logo puts me off shopping there; I cant believe a designer in the 21st century comes up with that rubbish. It looks like its from the 70s.

My Myspace is black and yellow and doesnt look that bad :s

that's it!!! I was trying to figure out why it looked dated lol...I agree with the green...a nice bright green looks fresh and modern. I can understand that they are limited with colours as they don't want to be too easily confused with a competitor but the re-design just immediately looks dated. Shame we're stuck with it for the next few decades!!!

the new standard Morrisons format? is that like the Kirkstall one?

Hope they sort their lighting out it just feels so retro and manky...urgh i almost feel diseased when stepping in

Can't say I've noticed any problems with the lighting, perhaps some people are more susceptable to it than others.

This is 2007. Marketing, advertising, design and graphics is everything. Sure, people shouldnt base where they shop on cosmetics, but the simple fact is, they do, often without realising though.

This logo is like the Opal tower of logos.

Can't say I've noticed any problems with the lighting, perhaps some people are more susceptable to it than others.

I studied retail management at uni so I pick up on all the tricks supermakets and other shops use to make their wares welcoming and attractive.

Maybe this means I'm attentuated to it!

I saw a programme recently when they looked much of the psychology involved in presenting a supermarket to the customers to maximise spending. It was an eye opener, involving a lot of techniques that the average shopper just wouldn't even consider.

I saw a programme recently when they looked much of the psychology involved in presenting a supermarket to the customers to maximise spending. It was an eye opener, involving a lot of techniques that the average shopper just wouldn't even consider.

I make a point of having a huge lunch before food shopping. You need all the help you can get against the scheming bastards. :gaah:

me to jonaldo if you go shopping with the munchies you will end up bying about £60 of sweets and associated crap go full and do em i say

Remember the owners of the Merrion centre promising 'something special' from the old Odeon cinema. Well, there are a few arthouse cinemas in the country that have only a single screen. It would be a tragedy if they intend to gut the original features, whatever happens, they're priceless.

Unfortunately, if you look closely at the renders for the reclad, you'll see that they might not be using stone cladding at all. The cladding actually seems to be an intepretation in yellow of terracotta tiling. Hope i'm wrong about this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikj/sets/72157594550990196/


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/399206885_3aed712848_b.jpg



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/399211178_c19777d4a7_b.jpg



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/41719364_34580f07a0_o.jpg



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/399209623_affaeb7c09_b.jpg



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/399204114_fc9d99ed91_b.jpg

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch1400.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tchnight400.jpg

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch2400.jpg

Hope this calms you down?

*

http://www.tcs-plc.com/uploads/photographs/tch1400.jpg

It looks like it will be a quality reclad.

Hope this calms you down?
The building will be largely reclad in Yorkshire sandstone

Yep, certainly does.

This isnt a bad reclad whatsoever, i quite like it, however i am worried that this will serve to highlight even more how ugly Morrissons is!!! Hopefully though this will put pressure on some authority to redevelop the monster!!!

Saw the renders of this this morning on the bilboards surrounding the site.
The whole thing is covered in sacffolding at the moment with men working away behind it. you can't really see much from street level though.

According to the new civic trust newsletter, it looks like this current redevelopement of the merrion centre is just part of an initial phase of the overall redevelopement. Lets hope so!!

I'm concerned the original character of this '60s/'70s development will be lost with a budget refurbishment. I actually like the smoked mirrors, tiled walkways, chrome railings and plastic plants. If it becomes just like every other shopping centre in Britain it would be a tragedy.

Jonathan Glancey wrote this article in the Guardian yesterday about Preston's fantastic looking bus station which will soon be demolished.

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/art/architecture/story/0,,2180884,00.html

Again, in the Leeds civic trust, they agreed that the merrion centre has a different use to the rest of the city: especially given the large student population around. I think any refurb' would (or should) be mainly in regards to the extremely outdated exterior.

I agree it should take advantage of its studenty surroundings, but this doesnt mean an interior refurbishment should be left. The shopping centre and Merrion Market could be used for similar type shops as down near the CornX. If it's really done up to a good standard, it seems a suitable location for trendy shops like Urban Outfitters.

If it's really done up to a good standard, it seems a suitable location for trendy shops like Urban Outfitters.

I wouldn't go that far, but the Merrion Market could become a place for migrant eateries and an Manc Affleck's Palace/Sheffield Forum vybe.

Why not though. Most peoples perceptions of the Merrion mean that they expect something to happen within the current constraints. But when a building is really done up well, it will attract top names (K2 and The Cube is a good example with the Hard Rock Cafe).

Maybe, but i think it's in the wrong part of town for Urban Outfitters who will be looking more towards the VQ environs. Oceana doesn't seem to have the pull of say, radisson/esporta in the Light.

Why not though. Most peoples perceptions of the Merrion mean that they expect something to happen within the current constraints. But when a building is really done up well, it will attract top names (K2 and The Cube is a good example with the Hard Rock Cafe).

I was in Leeds last week and noticed the Hard Rock Cafe is no longer there, its another bar/eatery of some description.

Yes I know its Felicini's now. Well opening. It closed a few months ago. However, thats beside the point. The point is that HRC opened here, in a reclad. When the standard is high enough, top end names can be attracted.

Yes I know its Felicini's now. Well opening. It closed a few months ago. However, thats beside the point. The point is that HRC opened here, in a reclad. When the standard is high enough, top end names can be attracted.

Where are the bottom names supposed to go. Come on Leeds No.1 you have to have the shit somewhere in a city.

"Shit" can still be presented in a good way. Primark for example. While not all may like it, at least its presented well, and in a smart building with a good interior and exterior. Kirkgate and that area could be said to be full of "shit". With improvements it could be a nicer area and very pleasant but still house "shit". Just because something is "shit" it doesn't have to be presented in a "shit" way.

No Shit.:lol:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/1624289414_175e9f1117_o.jpg

..

The Costa Coffee has closed down and been completely stripped inside, theres a notice on the window that it will be open soon. All a bit strange.

The Costa Coffee has closed down and been completely stripped inside, theres a notice on the window that it will be open soon. All a bit strange.

It had to close a few weeks ago due to flood damage.

There's currently a render inside the Merrion centre that shows Pizza Express nextdoor to Varsity (Or maybe next to Costa, not sure now).

I noticed that as well, the shop unit that it shows Pizza Express in is the shop that currently has the shopfitters in it, between Sainsburys and Varsity, i think.

Yes that's the one. Are the other two Pizza Express's's's still open? Quite impressed with the render. The grey plastic looked rather tasteful for the Merrion centre.

I only know of one other Pizza Express, behind the corn exchange. I know that that one is definately staying open as for a start theyve just spent some money on the building itself and submitted an apllication to put up new Pizza Express signage at it.

There is a Pizza Express on the corner of St Pauls Street and Park Square West.

Yes that's the one. Are the other two Pizza Express's's's still open? Quite impressed with the render. The grey plastic looked rather tasteful for the Merrion centre.

Red terracotta tiles would be more appropriate for Woodhouse Lane. The planning department should outlaw grey plastic instead.

Ooh Pizza Express the Merrion Centre is going up in the world! We actually don't have many in Leeds given the city's size... and I really like them (well for a chain)

Must be a small Pizza Express id have thought if it is opening in the vacant unit on the outside of the Merrion Centre although it should certainly be a boon for the centre. When will they be opening and it must surely be bad news id have thought for Fellicinis which opened nearby recently in the old Hard Rock Cafe to have such a big chain opening nearby serving largely similar style food.

Are there any plans for any further reclads yet of the Merrion Centre (especially Merrion House) as well as possibly something to bring the Merrion Market back into life.

The present recladding of the Woodhouse Lane side is suppost to be phase 1 in a major refurbishment of the whole centre. I think what would be the next thing to tackle would be the interior such as doing something with the steep slope at the entrance, leveling out the floor and putting something nice down, new shop fronts, doing something with the upstairs etc.

Merrion House is leased to the council and has got 30 years left, the Merrion would not gain any more money/rent out of recladding it. It was however mentioned in the Councils tall building pdf, so you never know.

Possibly terrible/great news for lovers/haters of the Merrion egg box cladding, scaffolding has been erected from Fab Cafe down to the Morrisons entrance.

Is this for maintenance or is the cladding being replaced?

3/1 - York (effect) stone cladding
2/1 - Terracotta
Evens - Grey plastic tiles

By the way wouldn't they have needed planning permission for this?

Did it get reported that Wilkos have one of the units near Costa/Nevisport? One unit remaining now?

3/1 - York (effect) stone cladding
2/1 - Terracotta
Evens - Grey plastic tiles

By the way wouldn't they have needed planning permission for this?

Where has that information about cladding come from?

Sorry - they were my odds!

Costa coffee has replaced the strange invention display outside Woolworths/Morrisons.

Costa coffee has replaced the strange invention display outside Woolworths/Morrisons.


I see that as a positive step, but there's a small part of me that wonders whether the soul is being sucked out of the Merrion centre - no Heath Robinson; no vile smoke fumes.

Costa coffee has replaced the strange invention display outside Woolworths/Morrisons.

Is that in addition or replacement to the Costa Coffee on Woodhouse Lane outside the Merrion Centre in what was a Yorkshire Bank? Seems rather close to have two Costa's so close together. Also as for that odd display they used to have how come did they have on occassion props from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Did the Ziffs personally know Albert R Broccoli a lot to get the props as an exhibit in the Merrion Centre?

Also as I haven't been to that end of town in ages has there been any changes to the Merrion Market aka Merrion Superstore or is it still largely empty as it has been for years considering it's out of the way location. Has there been any plans for that site?

Isnt it BBs Muffins that have opened up? as there the ones that have been advertising for jobs, as previosuly said, i cant see Costa opening up literally metres from their existing store.

You're probably right, I was too busy fighting my way through hoards of people to get out of Morrisons to take that much notice.

Isnt it BBs Muffins that have opened up? as there the ones that have been advertising for jobs, as previosuly said, i cant see Costa opening up literally metres from their existing store.

I know it would be silly. Almost as silly as if Starbucks were to open a shop directly opposite another Starbucks on somewhere like Briggate.

Has BB Muffins opened yet then, or are all the hoardings still around it?

I know it would be silly. Almost as silly as if Starbucks were to open a shop directly opposite another Starbucks on somewhere like Briggate.

Strangely enough that is exactly the case on Briggate. Starbucks took over the cafe in Borders even though there was/is already a Starbucks directly across the street !

Yeah I know.... I was kinda referring to that lol =/

Possibly terrible/great news for lovers/haters of the Merrion egg box cladding, scaffolding has been erected from Fab Cafe down to the Morrisons entrance.

Is this for maintenance or is the cladding being replaced?

Noooooo! Not the Morrisons cladding. :ohno:
Hopefully it's just being cleaned.

Costa coffee has replaced the strange invention display outside Woolworths/Morrisons.

The flying machine has gone? Sad times indeed :(

Is that stupid glass thing in the middle of the Merrion Centre outside the entrance to Morrisons going? I bloody hope so it's so tacky.

Noooooo! Not the Morrisons cladding. :ohno:
Hopefully it's just being cleaned.


You may be right about it being cleaned:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/18%20May%202008/3b648347.jpg?t=1210848965

Ooo that looks good, they must be painting it as I can't believe that the cladding was that dirty.

Whatever it is i think it looks a bit out of place in contrast to the current Morissons building because now its lost its retro element but still looks quite poor!

Yeah. I don't really like it anyway; I think because it's so low rise.

I think the merrion centre Morrisons is very ugly,out of date & cheap looking. And this is coming from someone who works at Morrisons.

I think the merrion centre Morrisons is very ugly,out of date & cheap looking. And this is coming from someone who works at Morrisons.

Wow, yeah, you're right, I mean what better qualification for making architectural and aesthetic judgements than working in Morrisons?

Wow, yeah, you're right, I mean what better qualification for making architectural and aesthetic judgements than working in Morrisons?

Hahahaha :lol: that has to be a candidate for post of the year, amazing reply!!! :cheers:

fab update...it will look really good once the refit is done! but it'll make everything around it look tacky now lol

When i went passed it the other day it loosed as if they were putting a metal Not plastic trim) on the egg box so that the convex bit was metal and the concafe bit was white. Im off for a walk in a bit so i will try confirm or deny this later.

I'd noticed that it appears to have been painted silver, I've only seen the bottom of the cladding so I don't know what the rest is like.

I'd noticed that it appears to have been painted silver.

Would this be silver as in... GREY!!!

The scaffolding is coming down on Town Centre House and is looking pretty good. It's been clad in small squares of Yorkstone, I can now see why they have painted Morrisons as the stone is exactly the same colour of the old beige cladding. It might have been just too much of a beigeness.

oh no!!

I had a look. It is grey plastic

oh no!!

I had a look. It is grey plastic

OMG! :(
Pictures please someone. Morrisons has been reclad in grey plastic? Noooooo! I despair. :ohno:

Noo it hasn't, it's been painted silver with (I think) a bit of yellow.

Oh, so what's grey plastic then, TCH? I'm confused! :nuts:

TCH? Well grey plastic is grey/silver coloured plastic panels, whereas Morrisons' existing concrete cladding has been painted silver and hasn't been reclad with plastic panels.

TCH? Well grey plastic is grey/silver coloured plastic panels, whereas Morrisons' existing concrete cladding has been painted silver and hasn't been reclad with plastic panels.

Fair dinkum. The brown brick section of the centre looks like it will be, quite ludicrously, covered with the plastic panels you mention. With this change, it makes some sort of mad sense to alternate the silver/grey with the stone.
Any pics of the stone cladding would be appreciated. I'm trying to conceal my excitement, but i just can't.

TCH? Well grey plastic is grey/silver coloured plastic panels, whereas Morrisons' existing concrete cladding has been painted silver and hasn't been reclad with plastic panels.

Are you sure? I had a good look the other day and it looks pretty plastic. sayin that, if they spray painted it silver and it is fiber glass to start off with, it is gunna look pretty much like grey plastic anyway.

I thought it was concrete not fibre glass

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1484/1001171gr5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow, a high quality, attractive finish for a building once synonymous with visual ugliness. Cool.

Hi there folks. i'm from the Birmingham forum area, but in this instance from a specialised cinema theatre website seeking up to date info (old and new photos especially!) on the Odeon Cinema you still have there at the Merrion Centre. Its one of a set of only a dozen big-screen Cinerama cinemas ever built in the UK and Leeds has one of the very few left standing(do you?)

I've got one BBC link here you may not have seen from 2 years ago:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/articles/2006/08/10/local_history_odeon_merrion_feature.shtm

Maybe there is a Local History site about Leeds up and running or maybe your City Library Service has an archive photo gallery even?

Thanks everyone.

(Or tell me to piss off LOL:nuts:)

If heard rumor that the cinema has been cleared out recently, I don't know for sure though.

Hi there folks. i'm from the Birmingham forum area, but in this instance from a specialised cinema theatre website seeking up to date info (old and new photos especially!) on the Odeon Cinema you still have there at the Merrion Centre. Its one of a set of only a dozen big-screen Cinerama cinemas ever built in the UK and Leeds has one of the very few left standing(do you?)

I've got one BBC link here you may not have seen from 2 years ago:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/articles/2006/08/10/local_history_odeon_merrion_feature.shtm

Maybe there is a Local History site about Leeds up and running or maybe your City Library Service has an archive photo gallery even?

Thanks everyone.

(Or tell me to piss off LOL:nuts:)
Some links for you.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=merrion+centre+odeon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikj/sets/72157594550990196/
http://www.leodis.net/searchResults.aspx?LOCID=0&DECADE=0&YEAR=&KEYWORDS=merrion%20centre&KEYWORDS2=odeon&ANDOR2=And&KEYWORDS3=&ANDOR3=And&RECSPAGE=5&IMG=0&VIEW=2&RESID=&PUBID=0&CURRPAGE=1

If heard rumor that the cinema has been cleared out recently, I don't know for sure though.

All true apparently.

Here's another link for you FunkyDory...

http://www.secretleeds.com/forum/Messages.aspx?ThreadID=445

Many thanks for your help gents! If any more news happens to come through I'll visit the Leeds Area forum from time to time.

If you want any history help with Birmingham just drop a line.

We're currently discussing which was the first massage parlour in our town and if it had any architectural notability:banana:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o219/harrydphotos/IMG_0699.jpg

And more:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/7%20June%202008/99900ee5.jpg?t=1212928378



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/7%20June%202008/d2b343d2.jpg?t=1212928411



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/7%20June%202008/1ae494bd.jpg?t=1212928436

Cheers for the update

You can see what has been done to the Morrisons cladding in those pics, this could all turn out looking pretty good! Now all it needs is some nice blue reflective glass putting in Merrion House.

Wade and Merrion Houses need sorting out so badly.

Fortunately the standard has been set pretty high. I'd like to see a stone clad Wade House. Shame the brick sections will be clad in grey plastic.

Today:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20June%202008/917aeded.jpg?t=1213992722



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20June%202008/50a16394.jpg?t=1213992752



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20June%202008/f49388fd.jpg?t=1213992790

Got to hand it to TCS - I can't believe the Merrion Centre could ever look this good! Some pretty good retailers on the outside there too. Shame about the little row of windows above Wilkos though.

Yeah that needs sorting. Are there plans for that?

Wow, great to see the stone cladding unveiled after such a long time being covered in plastic sheeting. This development certainly brightens up a very 60's looking part of the city centre.

This development certainly brightens up a very 60's looking part of the city centre.

What's wrong with the '60s, maan?
Great to see this looking plush from the Headrow.

Its great to see this phase finally near the completion. And as Leeds No.1 said whats gonna happen to the windows above wilkinson's?? They need to go. The finished product here as a massive improvement on the what once was!!!

What's wrong with the '60s, maan?
Great to see this looking plush from the Headrow.

Nothing at all it's just some of the buildings are starting to look very tired and dated.

Updates from this week:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20July%202008/6cd118f8.jpg?t=1215256725



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20July%202008/b0b4c66b.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20July%202008/d77ca7fd.jpg



a new shop between Costa's and Wilkinson's
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20July%202008/ca8058bf.jpg

Its good to see the scaflding coming down, it really does look much better, hopefully the next phases of developement of the Merrion Centre will plough on. Shared Earth is opening, isn't that the fairtrade shop??

Its good to see the scaflding coming down, it really does look much better, hopefully the next phases of developement of the Merrion Centre will plough on. Shared Earth is opening, isn't that the fairtrade shop??

Yes it is the Fair Trade shop. I presume it is moving from it's present premises inside the Merrion Centre to outside the Merrion Centre on Woodhouse Lane. http://www.sharedearthnewsandmedia.co.uk/category/news/

http://www.sharedearthnewsandmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/leeds_1.jpg

Has anyone taken on the former Model Zone unit at the ground floor of this refitted office block at the Merrion Centre yet? Still it is an excellent reclad which will take this part of the Merrion Centre into the 21st century. Is there any news of where the next phase of reclads will be yet and weren't they meant to put grey cladding over the brown bricks where Oceana nightclub is?

Has anyone taken on the former Model Zone unit at the ground floor of this refitted office block at the Merrion Centre yet? Still it is an excellent reclad which will take this part of the Merrion Centre into the 21st century. Is there any news of where the next phase of reclads will be yet and weren't they meant to put grey cladding over the brown bricks where Oceana nightclub is?

The Model Zone unit is to be extended to the back of the footpath, and this entrance to the Merrion Centre to be remodeled, which I guess is the next job.

They've done a very good job with this refurbishment of Town Centre House, and I think it adds weight to the idea that the perceived problems with the Merrion Centre are more to do with fashion than architecture.

Updates from this week:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20July%202008/b0b4c66b.jpg


At a recent Wilkinson planning meeting:

"What iconic image shall we have on our new shop frontage that will really attract customers?"
"How about a pencil sharpener?"
"Brilliant idea!" :doh:

"How about a pencil sharpener?"



Don't underestimate the importance of the sharpener.

This phase of the work seems to be almost complete. For those of you who were worried about the first floor windows above the shops, note that scaffolding has gone up.



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/2%20August%202008/b96591b5.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/2%20August%202008/ce51b1b4.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/2%20August%202008/33cc8a28.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/2%20August%202008/dac20f0e.jpg

This phase of the work seems to be almost complete.


I like Merrion Centre! Never thought I'd say this!

Very nice! I just hope that TCS has had second thoughts about the grey cladding that is suppost to be going on the brown brick part.

http://www.merrioncentre.co.uk/

Merrion Centre has a new, rather drab website with annoying sound effects.

With the external improvements, are there plans for internal improvements? That ridiculously steep slope needs something doing about it- it can be quite dangerous when it's wet and people are carrying all the water onto it from their shoes. Apparently there used to be escalators there- they could do with reinstating them.

^^ That slope is such a joke, especially when it's been raining outside. Also I've seen so many elderly people try and walk up it and struggle.
The improved cladding on the morrisons section of the center looks worse than it did before IMO. I saw it the other day whilst walking into town and it just looks dull.

Yeah I don't really like that cladding either- I think the white spruces it up a bit but really it needs a complete overhaul. One way to have taken it would have been to make it really retro and use lots of colours, or alternatively reclad it. The Merrion Centre annoys me because it's like a massive ground scraper.

Interesting to look at images 4, 6 and possibly 10???????

Helps if I say where those images are of course:
http://www.smcgower.com/sketchbook

Ended up on the TCS website and clicked through to the Merrion site which got me thinking.
Is the Merrion Leeds' most successful shopping centre? (Treating arcades separately).

It's changed little in it's life, but it's one of the busiest centres, despite it's fringe location.

It has attractions round the clock: Bars/nightclubs/food/shopping/hotel/parking/Bowling.

It has a full size supermarket, large offices, shops and a market.

Thinking about it, the Merrion (despite it's age) is pretty damn good!

Not only that but it just seems so well thought out with all the little (now closed) subways etc.

They even left outdoor space (at the back) and introduced outdoor escalators!.

I'm quite interested in it's history (such as the well documented mothballed Odeon) etc - doesn't seem to be much on the net though.

There's so many cool bits to it...
The hexagonal (closed?) bar.
The square at the back of the centre
The terracing above the square
The Fab cafe - shame it doesn't open on to the sqaure
The disused cinema
The market
The subways now closed

Anyway - bit garbled, but just wanted my say on this much criticised centre!

Helps if I say where those images are of course:
http://www.smcgower.com/sketchbook

Shame we never took screen dumps of that - was what I thought looked like proposals for new glass office blocks or reclads of the Merrion towers...

The closure of Woolworths doesn't do any wonders for the aesthetics of the Merrion centre inside. What was once the focal point has now been covered in some cheap pink (yes, PINK) material :ohno: I'll try and get a picture.

The woodhouse lane side of the Merrion is now completed, apart from the varsity bar, and looks very good. Especially like the underlit entrace by the side of Costa Coffee. The ex-woolworths store has been taken by Design and Home, or someone similiar.

I wouldn't say it looked very good- but it's an improvement. I'm not a massive fan of the side entrance- or any entrances- to the Merrion Centre actually. Why didn't they flatten the ground then install escalators?

I hope the new unit is taken up soon. It's quite small though, and not really sure why it doesn't come out as far as the rest of the building.

Morrisons needs sorting out- the steps are quite dangerous with no railings/grip surface and don't look particularly good either. There's always taxis blocking up the roadway and car park entrance too- this needs to be addressed.

The woodhouse lane side of the Merrion is now completed, apart from the varsity bar, and looks very good. Especially like the underlit entrace by the side of Costa Coffee. The ex-woolworths store has been taken by Design and Home, or someone similiar.

It's becoming a Home Bargains isn't it?
They already have stores in Cross Gates and Morley.

They're a discount store with the occasional good deal, and at least the Woolies store has been taken