Merrion Centre says Thank You

Wed 23 Jul, 2014

In celebration of the Merrion Centre’s 50th anniversary this year, the iconic city shopping centre held a celebratory lunch last week.

Hosted by Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC and son to the founder of the Centre, the late Arnold Ziff. Edward wanted to personally say thank you to the city of Leeds and its people for making the Merrion Centre what it is today. The first phase of the original build cost £2m, today the Centre has a value approaching £40m. The arrival of Leeds First Direct Arena has driven the regeneration of the area and allowed TCS PLC to redevelop the facade of its property and create the Arena Quarter Leisure Development.

Nearly 150 attendees joined in the festivities; Edward personally thanked relatives from travelling as far as Israel to be at the celebratory lunch. Guests of honour included Tom Riordan, CEO of Leeds city council along with TCS PLC first two ever employees; David Whitehead and Peter Warrington.

David Whitehead joined in 1962 as Property Director, staying with the Centre until he retired in 1997; he was Edward’s first boss. Peter Warrington, the second employee of TCS PLC also made a heartfelt return for the celebrations. He withheld the role of Finance Director for 30 years from 1963 – 1993.

The lunchtime party took place at Leeds First Direct Arena and a string quartet played as guests arrived. Edward gave a speech personally thanking family, friends, colleagues past and present. He also shared memories of his father’s tenacity and determination.

Edward Ziff, comments; “I’m delighted to be able to say a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made the Merrion Centre the success it is today. We welcomed 10.6 million shoppers last year and we’re confident we’re going to exceed this this year. Therefore my thanks are not only extended to my family, but also to every single employee, tenant, contractor, supplier, and shopper who has helped shape the Centre into the famous Leeds shopping destination which it is today. Over the years we have continued to go from strength to strength, we have pride in the past and confidence in what the future holds.”

The Centre has been a part of Ziff family history since its conception in 1964 and after decades of unbroken dedication it has continued to flourish as a family business. Family attendees included Edward’s eldest son, Benjamin, who is manager of Town Centre Car Parks as well as Edward’s daughter, Charlotte-Daisy who is Assistant Assets manager. Dr Marjorie Ziff, wife to the late Arnold Ziff, Edward’s siblings, Ann and Michael, his wife, Diane and two other children, Oliver and Jacob also joined in the celebrations.