CitiPark Flagship Branch Celebrates 55th Anniversary

CitiPark's flagship branch, The Merrion Centre, celebrates its 55th anniversary as Leeds' longest standing shopping centre

On 30th May 2019, the Merrion Centre, Leeds’s longest standing shopping centre, marked its 55th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of a brand-new month-long exhibition.

Dr. Marjorie Ziff, wife of the late Mr Arnold Ziff, founder of CitiPark parent company, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), officially opened the revolutionary scheme on her 35th birthday back in 1964. She was poignantly invited to open the 55th anniversary exhibition this year with the same golden key used on the original opening day.

The 700 sq ft exhibition is located on the main mall from 30th May to 30th June and is home to archived “Then and Now” images showcasing the ongoing development across the decades. It also includes a scale model of the 1m sq ft Merrion estate, plus video content screening a sample of the centre’s history and evolution over an incredible 55 years.

Edward Ziff, OBE DL Hon DBA, Chairman and Chief Executive of TCS said:

‘We’re extremely proud of the Merrion Centre’s rich history and heritage and are delighted to unveil this exhibition as part of our 55th Birthday celebrations.

‘‘I was only four years old when the centre opened on my mother’s birthday back in May 1964, and I’m thrilled on her 90th birthday she is opening this exhibition to celebrate Merrion’s 55th Birthday.‘

‘I have no doubt that my late father would be extremely proud; the Merrion Centre has continually evolved to cater for a diverse range of consumers over the years, from our loyal customers who have shopped here for most of their lives, to the growing office population, students and commuters. As we continue to evolve as part of the city’s thriving Arena Quarter, I have no doubt that the Merrion Centre will continue to remain a key destination in the heart of Leeds for many years to come.”‘