Bullring, Hammerson’s flagship retail destination, today celebrates its 10th birthday, following a decade of trading in Birmingham.
The £500million regeneration scheme transformed Birmingham city centre and put Birmingham on the map as one of the top UK retail destinations. Over the past 10 years, the centre has welcomed 400million consumers and has played a vital role in the region’s economic and retail landscape.
Dramatic changes to the road and traffic infrastructure opened up the city centre, and the scheme itself delivered the landmark Selfridges building and the bronze bull statue both of which have become nationally recognised symbols of Birmingham’s identity.
On opening, the scheme brought 90 new retailers to Birmingham and during the ten year period the centre has continued to attract retail firsts including the first European Forever21 store and the first stores in the Midlands for Cos, UGG and Jamie’s Italian.
During the past decade Selfridges has sold over 19 million Krispy Kreme doughnuts and 750,000 M.A.C lipsticks and Debenhams’ best sellers have included Estee Lauder Double wear foundation, the Ultimo bra and a Julien Mcdonald jewelled bridal gown that featured in Eastenders.
The centre is a major employer in the city, supporting over 3,000 full time jobs, which represents a wage bill of over £60million. Since Bullring’s opening, Birmingham has attracted further significant inward investment and in 2014, John Lewis will open its first store in the city centre.
David Atkins, Chief Executive of Hammerson said: “Bullring was the first truly transformational large-scale regeneration project of a UK city centre which genuinely changed the cityscape through creating architectural icons for the city. We are extremely proud of the positive impact it has had on the wider city centre and it continues to be a major contributor to Birmingham’s economy and future growth.”
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “When Bullring opened, I forecast then that it would mark the start of a new era for the city as a major retail and tourism destination, and despite difficult economic conditions the development has played a major part in the city’s continued renaissance. Bullring’s achievements over the last ten years have boosted the pride that Birmingham people take in their city and I look forward to the next ten years of continued success.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Bullring is hosting a series of events and installations throughout September, including a giant chocolate model by Cadbury World, and the Bullring bull will once again be transformed with a tenth birthday outfit of a spinning bow tie and party hat. To conclude the celebrations a fashion show at the end of September will be hosted by Mollie King with a performance from The Saturdays.
ENDS