PLANS to redevelop Kingshurst village centre have moved a step closer.
Solihull council’s cabinet is set to approve a public consultation.
The plans would see the Parade demolished and replaced with modern shops, community buildings and new houses.
The visibly worn and outdated Kingshurst village centre is an early 1960s shopping precinct with retail, residential, community and health uses.
In close proximity to the centre is Kingshurst Park, Kingshurst Primary School and St Barnabas Church.
A series of public consultations took place in 2017 which demonstrated a high level of support for a comprehensive redevelopment of the village centre, a council agenda report says.
But uncertainty and delays have angered residents, with plans falling through on several occasions.
The Kingshurst scheme would seek to emulate the successful redevelopment of Chelmunds Cross in Chelmsley Wood.
Council chiefs say Kingshurst – one of the poorest parts of the borough – would benefit massively from a new retail offer in the declining Parade.
The draft plans include a flagship anchor store to attract other retailers to the new precinct, at least 100 new homes, a GP’s surgery and pharmacy, a ‘community space’ and new car parks.
Labour Councillor David Cole said: “At last, this project seems to be inching forward after being discussed over many years.
“Kingshurst really needs this development. It is long overdue. The Parade looks tired and is underused due to the poor state of its infrastructure.
“This project will breath new life into a depressed area and could rejuvenate the community.
“Bringing the parish church and Kingshurst Primary School in to the village centre will really focus on community spirt.
“The figure of 100 given for new dwellings to be built in the draft plan is not what I have been told and could be higher.
“Apart from that, the new homes will be much welcomed.”
Consultation on the latest planning proposals is scheduled to take place in February and March.
Final proposals are due to go to cabinet in June.
A council officer’s report to be heard at a cabinet meeting next Thursday (February 7) states: “Alongside environmental improvements, there is a case that redevelopment should consolidate the commercial offer of the centre to ensure that it is viable in the market.
“An important complementary element of the proposed scheme will be the creation of better quality housing to meet local needs and deliver the housing requirement of the Local Plan.
“High quality residential development will support businesses and local services.
“The provision of local health services should be retained to create a sustainable hub and there may be an opportunity to expand these services.
“There is opportunity to improve the provision of existing community uses to better meet local needs and create a more sustainable centre accessible by public transport.”
