DISCUSSIONS are taking place regarding the future running of Merry Hill shopping centre.

Intu Properties, which runs 16 shopping malls across the country including Manchester’s Trafford Centre, is in talks to buy Westfield's 50 per cent stake in the Brierley Hill centre.

The other 50 per cent is owned by Queensland Investment Corporation.

Merry Hill is home to more than 250 big name shops, a cinema complex, large food court and the indoor adventure attraction, Quest.

An Intu spokesman confirmed discussions with Westfield were taking place and added: “Although discussions are ongoing, there can be no certainty that any transaction will be undertaken. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”

Westfield declined to comment on the discussions but revealed that on December 23, the centre had experienced it's second busiest day since opening 24 years ago, with 150,000 customers hitting the shops.