The privately-owned shopping centre operator Ellandi is investing more than £50m over the next five years, which will include a new placemaking masterplan for the 2 million sq ft centre and surrounding waterfront and leisure destination.

Plans include the development of a new family entertainment Leisure District incorporating a range of non-retail activities and attractions, as well as new restaurants.

Existing leisure facilities will undergo substantial upgrades and be better connected to the main mall, while Ellandi’s inclusive estate strategy will continue to build on momentum made in recent years at The Waterfront, which is home to a variety of independent eateries, shops, the Resonance music academy and community organisation, Black Country Radio and residential units.

The announcement comes as £14m works to install new decorative interactive panelling outside the centre nears completion.

The transformation of Merry Hill will include works to future-proof the shopping centre and enhance its sustainability credentials, with a net-zero goal set for 2030 which will be achieved through a range of measures including the installation of solar panels and more than 200 electric vehicle charging points.