Multinational home and lifestyle retailer, Harvey Norman continues its UK expansion with the announcement of a new store at Gracechurch, Royal Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, along with its UK headquarters.
The global retail giant has signed a landmark 20-year lease at the shopping centre, acquired by London-based developer SAV Group, in partnership with BPG, at the end of 2023.
The agreement covers 53,000sq ft of prime retail space, which has remained vacant since the closure of British Home Stores (BHS) in 2016.
Located just eight miles north of Birmingham city centre, the new store will offer a range of premium products, from luxury sofas and dining sets to the latest technology and home appliances. Customers will have access to renowned brands such as Dyson, Apple, Samsung, LG, Miele, and Sage, as well as a bespoke cooking appliance centre, Love Tech setup services, and click-and-collect options for added convenience.
The store’s arrival marks the beginning of a multi-million-pound investment by SAV Group and BPG to enhance Gracechurch, reinforcing its status as a leading regional retail destination.
Since the centre’s acquisition, footfall has outpaced national trends, with a number of stores and businesses opening over the past 12 months. Harvey Norman will occupy one of the largest retail spaces in the centre.
Alex Tarlo, founder of SAV Group, comments: “The arrival of Harvey Norman marks a significant milestone in Gracechurch’s transformation and underscores our bold vision for its future. By choosing Gracechurch for their UK headquarters and latest store, Harvey Norman has demonstrated strong confidence in our strategy to position the centre as a leading regional retail destination. This lease also signals the start of substantial investment across the centre, aimed at further enhancing the visitor experience. We look forward to working closely with the Harvey Norman team to bring this exciting new store to life. We would like to extend our thanks to Andy Street who played a key role in helping unlock this opportunity during his tenure as Mayor of the West Midlands. We’d also like to thank Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP and Councillor Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council for their ongoing support.”
Harvey Norman currently operates over 300 stores worldwide, having launched its UK flagship at Merry Hill shopping centre at the end of last year. The retailer will open at Gracechurch in 2026, with the store designed to include sustainable technologies to improve energy efficiency.
The expansion is expected to create up to 100 jobs across sales, marketing, online, finance, procurement, operations, warehousing and more, along with several apprenticeship opportunities.
Lachlan Roach, managing director of Harvey Norman UK, adds: “Expanding into Gracechurch, Royal Sutton Coldfield, is a significant step in our UK growth strategy. This location provides the perfect setting to showcase our diverse product range while delivering the world-class service for which Harvey Norman is renowned. The West Midlands is a thriving community, and we are excited to contribute to its retail landscape by offering a premium selection of electronics, technology, and furniture. We believe in the potential of Gracechurch and look forward to working with the SAV and BPG teams to bring our vision to life.”
