Exciting plans for the wholesale transformation of Kingshurst Village remain on course as the Council commits funds to the project to help deliver the village centre regeneration.
At Solihull’s Cabinet meeting last night, 15 July, additional funding was made from Council reserves, which will allow the full business case to be finalised and the project team to complete any outstanding property acquisitions essential for the redevelopment.
Last December, Cabinet agreed that the Council should take on the direct delivery of this scheme. This allows for a much greater level of control and means the new homes, community and health provision will be able to better reflect local needs.
The Kingshurst plans aim to build on the success of previous schemes at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood to transform the area by radically redesigning the village centre. The new centre will offer high standard modern family housing along with a range of local community and health facilities and other local services and amenities.
Already the major milestone of securing Outline Planning Permission has been achieved.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council said:
“Cabinet’s decision shows we remain committed to Kingshurst and all our village and community centres.
“It is only because of our responsible and prudent financial management over the past decade that we have been able to access this funding from our reserves.
“With the Council taking on the role of developer at Kingshurst, it shows we can be flexible and find different ways to deliver the vision of high-standard modern, energy efficient family housing along with a range of local community, health and local services.
“We have achieved a great deal over the past year to move the plans forward, and we will continue to keep local residents and businesses fully informed about the plans. I wish to thank local people for their patience and support in this programme, which has been complex and very difficult at times, as we all recognise.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the centre, as we have done at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood, and through our investment in schools. This project makes it clear that we have a vision for inclusive growth and improving life chances across the borough, and these plans contribute to that ambition.”
Residents interested in this scheme can sign up to receive regular 'StayConnected' email bulletins.