SOLIHULL Council is set to receive a planning application to bring forward its ambitious plans for the vacant Homer Road site in the town centre.
The initial planning application is said to provide an overview of proposals for Westgate, 21 Homer Road, located at the corner of Homer Road and Station Road in Solihull town centre.
Early designs show the potential to deliver over 10,000sq m of Grade A office space close to Touchwood shopping centre and Solihull railway station.
If approved, Westgate will form part of the council’s new town centre masterplan which the council says ‘provides a blueprint for future investment and development in the town centre over the next 20 years’.
In addition to the office space, Solihull Council say Westgate will offer a ‘flexible co-working and collaboration space’ and will be rated’ Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Excellent’, in line with the council’s commitment to a low carbon future.
Opportunities are also being explored to connect the scheme to the proposed phase one town centre heat network.
Acting in its capacity as the land owner, the council’s strategic land and property team will be instructing consultants Cushman and Wakefield to submit the application.
The project forms part of the council’s UK Central Solihull programme, including key infrastructure projects geared towards economic growth in the borough.
As part of the pre-planning application stage, the latest designs were shared with local residents, businesses and stakeholders last month who were invited to give their views and feedback on the scheme.
Approval for the first stage of demolition has already been secured with the initial site clearance now underway.
Planning determination is expected in January next year, with a start date onsite expected later next year.
For more information on the scheme visit www.investinukcentral.com/westgate/ or sign up to the Westgate Stay Connected bulletin.
