SOLIHULL Council has announced its plans for the redevelopment of Mell Square, which includes creating a residential neighbourhood.
The council took ownership of Mell Square in April 2021 in order to support the delivery of its Town Centre Masterplan.
The redevelopment will focus on attracting new restaurants, bars and retailers to the town centre, as well a creating a mixed residential neighbourhood.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “Solihull enjoys a well-established reputation as a vibrant, attractive and welcoming destination for high quality shopping, business and leisure.
“With a proven track record of attracting high quality occupiers and investment, we have one of the best-performing town centres in the country. However, as retail habits and the way we use our local centres continue to change, we need to ensure what we are offering also evolves. It’s important that we plan and invest now so that Solihull town centre remains an exciting, thriving and accessible place for people to enjoy.
“As well as creating new space for high quality retailers, restaurateurs, independent businesses and providing a range of new housing right in the heart of the town centre, this scheme will also bring benefits for the wider borough in terms of investment, new jobs and training opportunities. Over time, new communities making their homes in our town centre will bring a boost to local businesses and feed our growing evening economy.
“I’m really excited with what Muse and Howells have produced so far and am looking forward to consulting on our emerging masterplan soon.”
The Council will now seek to enter into a Development Agreement with Muse, which will need to be approved by Cabinet.
Once in place, following public consultation and subject to planning, the first phase of long-term redevelopment could get underway as early as Autumn 2025.
This initial phase will focus on the redevelopment of the vacant House of Fraser building and is unlikely to directly impact any of the businesses or retailers currently trading in Mell Square.
