A MAJOR £1million development to improve access to Solihull town centre for pedestrians and cyclists has been officially opened.
Solihull’s Town Centre Approach was unveiled by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street yesterday (September 20).
It is part of wider access improvements to the town centre.
The first phase of the wider scheme has seen the redesign of the approach including a change to the road layout and nearly half a mile of new walkways and cycle ways.
The pavement has been widened and the crossing redesigned to make it safer and quicker for residents, commuters, shoppers and visitors to get into the heart of the town.
The finishing touches of this part of the project, including lighting, bins and benches have recently been put in place.
Solihull council says initial reaction from people who use the approach has been positive.
Solihull’s cabinet member for transport and highways Ted Richards said: “This project provides people arriving in Solihull with an excellent welcome, whether they are here for work or pleasure they can be sure that they will get to the centre of town safely and quickly.
“The Town Centre Masterplan provides a blueprint for 20 years of investment in Solihull, which will bring large new leisure, business, and residential developments.
“We are looking forward to working with partners to consider options for the wider redevelopment of the station and transport interchange to compliment this scheme.”
Mayor Andy Street said: “I’m pleased the West Midlands Combined Authority has been able to support this scheme, this is a much better way for commuters and shoppers to arrive in Solihull.
“It is a statement of intent for UK Central, the improvements that are being made here and elsewhere benefit the whole West Midlands region.”
If you use the Town Centre Approach and would like more information on the project, or to give your feedback then go to http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-travel-roads/roadworks-and-restrictions/towncentreapproach
