Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall receives backing from major retailer

Harvey Norman, one of the world’s leading retailers in furniture, bedding, home appliances, and technology, has announced a major partnership with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, becoming the venue’s main sponsor and supporting its cultural and community programmes.

The collaboration comes ahead of Harvey Norman’s newest UK store opening in the Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch Centre this summer.  

With more than 300 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Central Europe, Singapore and Malaysia, Harvey Norman is known for combining leading brands with expert local service.

The brand launched its first store in England in the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in October 2024 and has confirmed the West Midlands as a strategic growth region, underlining its long-term commitment to job creation, investment and community engagement.

Harvey Norman’s partnership with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall will support the venue’s 2026 community events programme while boosting local cultural engagement.

As part of the collaboration, live performances from the Town Hall will be showcased in-store, giving shoppers a taste of its diverse arts programme and reinforcing Harvey Norman’s commitment to enriching the community beyond retail.

Claire Bridges, chair of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust, said: “The Trust is absolutely delighted with our new partnership with Harvey Norman. Through their sponsorship, we are launching a new annual Community Arts Programme which will feature a Heritage Variety Show in March and a weekend Literary and arts festival in September with a range of arts, cultural and heritage events and activities in between.

“The Trust is fulfilling its mandate, following a public campaign to save the Town Hall building, and is establishing a major arts centre for all in the heart of the town.”

Lachlan Roach, managing director of Harvey Norman UK, said: “We are hugely excited to be opening our store in Sutton Coldfield in the coming months. Harvey Norman is more than just a retailer – we aim to be an active and positive force in the communities we serve.

“Our partnership with Sutton Town Hall allows us to bring cultural experiences to our store while supporting events and initiatives that make a real difference locally. We’re excited to engage with Sutton Coldfield residents in new and meaningful ways.”  

Sutton MP Sir Andrew Mitchell, president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome Harvey Norman as our main sponsor. Their support allows us to continue offering vibrant cultural and community programmes for the people of Sutton Coldfield.

“The idea of bringing live performances into the store is particularly exciting, it gives the community a taste of our events and strengthens the connection between local culture and local businesses.”  

Mark Dennis, head of marketing for Harvey Norman UK, who was also born and raised in Sutton Coldfield adds: “As a local, this partnership means a great deal to me personally.

“The Town Hall has always been a cornerstone of Sutton Coldfield life and being able to support its programmes while bringing elements of that cultural experience into our store is incredibly special. Strong partnerships between local businesses and community organisations are essential to creating a thriving town centre.”  

Founded in 1982, Harvey Norman operates more than 300 stores worldwide, offering an extensive range of electronics, home appliances, furniture, bedding, and lifestyle products.

Known for expert service and trusted global brands, Harvey Norman opened its first West Midlands store in 2024 with further UK expansion planned.  

Pictured: Supporting the community (left to right): David Pears (Sutton Coldfield Town Hall trustee), Michelle Holland (managing director, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall), Sir Andrew Mitchell (MP for Sutton Coldfield and president of Sutton Coldfield Town Hall), Claire Bridges (chair of Sutton Coldfield Town Hall), Lachlan Roach (managing director, Harvey Norman UK) and Mark Dennis (head of marketing, Harvey Norman UK)