A NEW concept masterplan focusing on Chelmsley Wood town centre has been approved, clearing the way for further design and the submission of an outline planning application.
Plans are focused initially on the Northwest Quarter of the town centre, where the Job Centre, former library site and Police Station are located.
This key part of the town centre is currently underutilised and physically cut off from the rest of the centre.
It is hoped that this will be the first step in a phased plan of redevelopment which could see the town centre completely transformed over the next ten years.
Over the past 12 months, the Council has continued working with architects from BDP and key stakeholders, to further develop and refine these options into a Preferred Option Masterplan which was approved at Cabinet last week (January 12).
Key features contained within the first phase of this preferred option include: establishment of a discount food store on the former library site facing east, with an office block along the eastern edge, creation of a new town square and enhanced public space and a pedestrian link from the existing upper-level shopping precinct to connect with this area.
Coun Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council said: “The regeneration of Chelmsley Wood town centre seems like a daunting task but is one that I have been keen to see since I first became a councillor.
“Having a masterplan in place for the Northwest Quarter marks the first step towards a series of phased improvements that will secure the future vibrancy of this well used and much-loved town centre.
“We enjoyed some really positive engagement with local residents, businesses and shoppers in Chelmsley Wood when we presented some of our early proposals last year and I’m hoping this will continue.
“We are planning some pre-application engagement before preparing our outline planning application and there will be plenty of other opportunities to help shape this exciting project as it progresses.”
