TOUCHWOOD has proved a step ahead of its rivals in the shopping stakes.
The team at the Solihull centre is celebrating after winning the prestigious ‘Best Shopping Complex’ accolade at the recent West Midlands Awards.
The awards are voted for by members of the public and acknowledge the people and businesses that work to make a difference and contribute to the development of the region.
Touchwood saw off stiff competition from around the West Midlands and was praised by judges for consistently delivering memorable experiences and high-quality service to shoppers.
Andy Cole, general manager at Touchwood, said: “Our whole team here at Touchwood is extremely passionate about providing guests with an enjoyable shopping experience and world class customer service.
“We work closely with our guests, retailers and partners around the borough to ensure that Touchwood, and indeed Solihull, remains a retail destination of choice, which is why we are delighted that our guests have recognised our efforts by voting for us to win for this award.”
Plans for an expansion at Touchwood were put on hold in March.
The proposed project had resulted in years of discussions, public exhibitions, businesses being forced to relocate for the development and the fight to protect certain sites such as the Manor House Gardens.
But following a strategic review, developers LendLease Retail Parternship announced in March it was ‘not in a position to move the project forward at this stage’.
A source close to the deal told The Observer at the time finances and the increase in online shopping were to behind the delay to the project, which included the demolition of the Council House and the compulsory purchase of several neighbouring business units.
The borough council has said the earliest it could see the Touchwood extension and linked Council House refurbishment project starting would now not be until early next year.
