Don Richardson, the Birmingham based property entrepreneur and one half of the famous Richardson twins, has died aged 77.

Richardson, founder of the Richardson Group with twin brother Roy, passed away last Thursday in his sleep at his home.

Born in 1930 in Harts Hill close to Brierley Hill in the West Midlands the twins worked in the haulage business before becoming involved in transforming the former 300 acre Round Oak steelworks at Brierley Hill in the 1980s to create the Merry Hill shopping centre which is now owned by Westfield and QIC and valued at more than £1bn.

Don and Roy’s business, now called Richardson Capital, invests in range of property related businesses including pubs and retail.

A private family funeral will be held and a memorial service will follow to be held at a date and venue to be advised.