The huge changes to Sutton Coldfield shopping centre we've seen so far in 2024

It seems that the Sutton Coldfield shopping centre has been offering space to more independent businesses this year

Sutton Coldfield's Gracechurch Centre has seen a number of new additions this year as the shopping destination makes a push to diversify its offering for customers. Independent businesses have found a home in the units and BirminghamLive understands that more are gearing up to move in.

As well as bakeries, shops and dining spots, it was announced last month that a new yoga studio was moving in to the centre. I Am Yogi, a practice based in a wooden cabin at Moseley Park and Pool, announced it would be opening a second studio at the Gracechurch Centre after six years in Moseley.

The entire region has seen its shopping centres diversify over the course of the last year or two, with the Bullring and Grand Central opening a number of leisure venues, such as TOCA Social, to its offering and Merry Hill Shopping Centre announcing it would be transforming the old Debenhams store into a gym to go alongside its bowling alley and other entertainment spaces.

Read more: Birmingham Bullring store says 'apologies for our appearance' as major feature removed

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As the Gracechurch Centre works to diversify its space, we're taking a look at how things have changed in the shopping centre so far in 2024. How you you feel about all the changes? And what would you like to see in Gracechurch? Let us know in the comments below.

A new cafe opened

A new cafe opened in the space where Patisserie Valerie was early this year. Roma Café and Lounge announced it would be moving in back in January and has since racked up great reviews on Google from diners, giving it a perfect five out of five star rating.

Patisserie Valerie closed four years ago so the new addition was a welcome one. They serve mediterranean breakfasts, English breakfasts, paninis and more.

The old Argos got a replacement

Home Decor, a shop selling (you guessed it) home decor opened back in May. The store replaced Argos, filling the empty unit.

Teako did move into the old Argos before Home Decor but it was a short-lived stint. They sold hot tubs.

A Willy Wonka-style emporium made its Gracechurch debut

A chocolate shop opened at Gracechurch back in the spring, the creation of a former soldier from Erdington. The Military Chef emporium is a shop, a factory and a workshop - you can see reporter Nick's video and photographs of the inside if you're curious.

Situated in the old Co-op, the store is known for its tiffin and, particularly, its honeycomb. Read more about it here.

Ted's Baked Potatoes got a new home

Ted's Baked Potatoes is legendary and has been in Sutton Coldfield since 1980. This year, it made a move to its eighth spot in the Gracechurch Centre, a stone's throw from where business began 40 years ago.

The family business moved as part of the forthcoming transformation of the Gracechurch Centre. You can now find them next to Boots - here's the full story.

Magical Story made a comeback

It had been a few years since Magical Story was seen in the Gracechurch Centre. The home and giftware shop closed back in 2018.

However, it made its return to town this autumn, relaunching in the spot where Laura Ashley was. The closure came after failed discussions to relocate the business - here's what we know - but now it's back and looking more magical than ever.

Gracechurch got an independent bakery

It's known for its very picturesque little wooden bakery in Minworth, an adorable Scandi-style hut from which Silver Tree Bakery serves its fresh goods. But this month it opened a new location in the Gracechurch Centre.

While the new addition, in the old Ernest Jones spot, is just a pop-up, there's a chance Silver Tree will stick around for good if it turns out that customers enjoy it. If not, it'll close up on Christmas Eve. Here's all we know about that tale.