A BID to secure Government funding for Kingshurst has been backed by Solihull’s politicians.
The Leader of Solihull Council has been joined by the borough’s two MPs and West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, by throwing full support behind an application to the second round of the Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
It is hoped £12million of additional funding can be secured to help deliver Council led plans for the transformation of Kingshurst village centre.
Detailed planning permission for the Kingshurst scheme was secured in May this year following consultation with local residents, businesses and stakeholders, including health sector and community partners.
The new village centre will include 78 homes, a new vicarage for St Barnabas Church a community and a health and wellbeing hub which includes a GP, pharmacy, dentist, library service and community café.
The project has already received backing from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and £1.81m of Estates Regeneration Funding from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
Solihull MP, Julian Knight, and the Meriden MP, Saqib Bhatti, have written to the Secretary of State, Greg Clark, to back the scheme and make the case for why Kingshurst should benefit from the LUF which is intended to support town centre and high street regeneration.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “The redevelopment of Kingshurst is a once in a generation opportunity to create a high quality, community focussed centre at the heart of this important Solihull neighbourhood.
“Securing LUF funding would help us to finally get it over the line. Schemes like this clearly have the potential to change lives and rebalance economic opportunities afforded to our residents in Solihull.”
Mr Bhatti, said: “I want to ensure that all of our town and local centres enjoy the highest standard of housing, transport and access to services.
“This ambitious scheme will make a huge contribution to the regeneration of North Solihull as a whole and is a top priority for me and my colleagues at Solihull Council.
“I think we have put together a really compelling bid and shown that we more than meet the criteria for this vital Government funding. We have an exciting and well thought through scheme in Kingshurst just ready for delivery.”
Mr Knight, said: “Plans for levelling up here not only benefit those living in and around Kingshurst but will bring wider benefits for the whole of the Solihull borough.”
