Leeds’ Merrion Shopping Center celebrates 60 years

A shopping center in Leeds, which was the biggest in the UK when it first opened, is marking 60 years in business.

Merrion Center opened new grounds on 26 May 1964, combining daytime shopping with evening entertainment such as bowling and nightclubs.

People are invited to share their memories of the city’s longest-running shopping center in an exhibition looking at its history.

Edward Ziff, who took over the business from his parents Arnold and Marjorie, said: “You can always tell someone’s age by their memories of Merrion.”

Merrion Center and its parent company Town Center Securities (TCS) were founded by Arnold Ziff, who opened the site on his wife’s 34th birthday.

Over the years it has housed a variety of shops and venues, including Tiffanys and The Phono nightclubs, as well as a 42-lane bowling alley and an Odeon cinema.

Many shoppers remember seeing inventor Rowland Emett’s car, the Flying Kite, on display in the mall.

Made by the creator of the craft from the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the machine was housed in a glass case and activated regularly to entertain visitors.

The flying kite is on display again as part of a special exhibition marking the centre’s anniversary.

Edward Ziff, now president and chief executive officer of TCS, was four years old when his parents opened the center and said his father would be proud of how it turned out.

He said: “I think Merrion was my father’s fourth child.

“What he needed was to grow, he needed to be fed, he needed to change his face a few times and become up to date.

“We’ve spent all our time feeding Merrion and I’m pleased to say our goal level is probably at an all-time low.”

He said bosses were working with Leeds City Council on plans to build student accommodation, with one unit ready to sit where the cinema used to be.

He added: “For us as a business it’s a huge undertaking which is, I’m pleased to say, very profitable – but it’s essential that we continue because what will happen if we don’t is that people will catch on. up and over.”

He added: “I have fond memories for myself, but it is a very important part of our existence and life.”

An exhibition showing images of the center over the years will run from May 30 to July 31.