When it was first opened it was notable for bringing many famous high street names to Redhill for the first time, such as Marks & Spencer, Our Price and WH Smiths.

Unofficially, it boasts the largest fake Christmas tree seen in any shopping centre across the nation, made especially for their big seasonal event, which includes a free Santa's grotto, which is hugely popular with the locals and in 2006 resulted in the opening hours having to be extended to accommodate everyone.

[citation needed] On 17 January 2007 it was announced by Richard Cowlard, the centre manager, that the precinct would undergo a £1million, 9-month long renovation, to help bring it into the 21st century.

The work was all completed (by contractors Kier East) at night to avoid disruption to shoppers and loss of sales to the shops, and finished two months ahead of schedule in September 2007.

At the same time, one of the Belfry's biggest retailers, Marks & Spencer, which spreads over both the floors in the centre, underwent complete refurbishment, including the introduction of an instore cafe and bakery and the launch of their popular Per Una line.