ARDEN Cross and the HS2 Interchange station have been earmarked as possible Investment Zones by the Government.
And the news has been welcomed with caution across the borough.
As part of the Growth Plan chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng revealed proposals to create the zones to drive growth and unlock housing across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment.
The government will be working with 38 local authorities to establish investment zones in England.
In Solihull Arden Cross, which is set to create 27,000 jobs, 3,000 new homes and up to 6 million sq ft of commercial space, has been put forward.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council said: “I welcome the Government’s new Investment Zone policy and the Arden Cross site is perfect for this.
“Since plans for this area were first conceived by the Council, I have consistently said that we must make the most efficient use of the land around the new HS2 station, deliver excellence in design and the necessary green infrastructure, as well as creating jobs and the homes we are constantly under pressure to build.
“The efficient development of this site will also help relieve the pressure on other areas of our green belt in Solihull.
“Making Arden Cross an Investment Zone could speed up and enhance our vision for this site.
“I will be promoting Arden Cross strongly through the West Midlands Combined Authority to request this site be considered as part of any Expression of Interest.”
Ben Gray, director of Arden Cross Ltd, said: “This announcement will assist in realising our vision for an internationally connected destination providing a world class environment for working, living and learning.
“This tremendous news also takes place in context of Arden Cross Ltd preparing to announce the appointment of a world class development partner who will continue to drive investment and development.”
Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden, said: “My constituents deserve to have access to more jobs, more investment and more growth. I will continue to advocate for an investment zone to be located at Arden Cross to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, along with the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.”
However Councillor Laura McCarthy, leader of the Solihull Liberal Democrats, said the community needs to remain at the heart of the development.
She added: “Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats are pleased with this additional funding, however, words need to be put into action.
“ Far too often local needs and communities are left behind in housing developments, so the council and developers need to work together with the local community to ensure that the infrastructure is there.
“We cannot afford to farm out our largest urban development to parties whose main interest is the bottom line.”
