Death of a business legend

Don Richardson, one of the famous Richardson twins who built Dudley's Merry Hill Shopping Centre, has died aged 77.

Mr Richardson, the younger twin, died peacefully in his sleep at home and surrounded by his family last night.

He was born 10 minutes ahead of Roy.

Born in 1930 at Harts Hill, near Brierley Hill, they went on to found the hugely successful Richardson Group of companies that today trades at Richardsons Capital LLP from headquarters at Oldbury.

The twins are best known for one of the earliest and biggest regeneration schemes in the West Midlands, an opportunity which they spotted decades ago. They transformed the former 300-acre Round Oak Steelworks at Brierley Hill into what is now the internationally known Merry Hill Centre.

They saw that the site, a few hundred yards from their birthplace, could pave the way for a retail development to benefit the area and its people – and were proved right.

Ian Pearson, MP for Dudley South and the Science Minister, said: "Don and Roy Richardson made a terrific contribution to the Black Country over the years. The transformation of the former Round Oak Steelworks site into the Merry Hill and Waterfront developments in my constituency was due to the twins' vision and drive – a fitting legacy for Don.

"He embodied all the best attributes of this special part of the world – hard work, innovation, loyalty and pride in his roots. Don was a genuine Black Country man with a deeply held desire to see the area flourish."

Stourbridge Labour MP Lynda Waltho said: "This is a sad day for the Black Country. Don Richardson was one of our most famous sons. We have lost a shining example of true Black Country entrepreneurial spirit."

Iain Johnstone, Black Country chamber of Commerce president, said: "The Black Country will miss a strong voice and passionate supporter of the area, its industry and its people." Sandwell regeneration chief Councillor Bob Badham said: "I have known the Richardson twins for 30 years and while it was known that Don was seriously ill it's a shock that he has died. He has played a significant role in creating lots of new schemes that have had a very significant bearing on many people's lives." The funeral will be a private family affair, with family flowers only. A memorial service will be held at a date and venue to be advised.

* Tributes to one of the architects of the modern-day Black Country in tonight's Express & Star.