New shops and restaurants to reopen in Leeds Merrion Centre on April 12

The shopping mall, in the Leeds Arena Quarter, has announced that 10 new brand names will be opening in the centre.

It comes as it prepares to reopen all non-essential retail stores on April 12, in line with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

New beauty salon, Teisha’s Hair & Beauty and Barber AA are joining the extensive list of specialist grooming operators at the Merrion Centre and will be taking advance bookings as customers look to guarantee their post lockdown makeover,

The Leeds Rhinos store, which opened last year but closed to trade during lockdown, will be reopening with the addition of a new ‘store in store’ concept exclusively retailing the new England rugby kit.

Other shops include Durham Beds Furniture Centre, the Phone Surgery, the Co-op and Leeds Hospitals Charity shop.

New restaurants include Oba’s Korean and Japanese Kitchen & Bar and Mi’s Vermicelli, which will offer traditional noodles and Chinese snacks;

It will be joined by Salade, a new concept offering fresh, tasty salads.

The restaurants will be open for takeaway, as indoor hospitality is not due to reopen until May 17, under the Government's roadmap.

The new stores will join existing independent operators, including Jumbo Records, popular fish and chip shop Hook & Line, the unique Chilli Shop and Japanese Sushi and Grill operator Blue Sakura, were also quick to adapt their businesses by offering innovative takeaway and delivery schemes.

The Centre’s owners, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), said it has invested heavily in implementing Covid-secure measures to ensure shopper confidence and safety.

Charles Newman, Associate Director at TCS, said: “It will be fantastic to see consumers returning to physical shopping at the Centre from as early as April 12th as we follow the Government’s route map to reopening non-essential shops and exit lockdown.

“We look forward to welcoming customers back and introducing them to our new brands and are optimistic that people will be excited to return and feel safe to shop, eat, drink and socialise with us.”

The Merrion Centre remained open for essential shopping throughout all three lockdowns, with stores including Morrisons, Iceland, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett continuing to trade.