A transformative new masterplan for the regeneration of Mell Square in Solihull town centre has been unveiled.
The exciting proposals have been put forward by Muse, the nationwide placemaker, working in partnership with Solihull Council. Muse was named preferred regeneration partner in October 2023.
Speaking at the UK’s largest real estate investment and infrastructure forum (UKREiiF) this week, the emerging masterplan was presented by Maggie Grogan, Managing Director for Muse – Midlands alongside the Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Ian Courts.
The pair were part of a panel of industry experts discussing the challenges and opportunities of delivering regeneration within an already thriving town centre.
Mell Square, in the heart of Solihull Town Centre, has been identified by the Council as a key opportunity area within the it’s Town Centre Masterplan.
The Masterplan seeks to re-invigorate the area to unlock its full potential, whilst creating smaller and bespoke new public spaces, leisure facilities, and homes – as part of a diverse and mixed-use community.
The regeneration of Mell Square will enhance Solihull’s existing retail offer and visitor experience, diversifying the nighttime economy, and delivering new public and leisure spaces.
Designed by architects Howells, the Masterplan would also deliver a mix of homes and tenures to create an inclusive town centre community. The new shops, experiences, and facilities will be curated to respond to the emerging community, as well as serving the town centre more widely.
Focusing on Mell Square in Solihull, the audience were treated to a series of exciting new images taken from the emerging masterplan which show how this transformed part of the town centre could look within the next ten years.
The showcasing of the Masterplan comes after a recent series of initial engagement activity which looked at people’s priorities, and requirements for the town centre into the future.
The Masterplan itself will be the subject of further consultation with the community over the coming months.
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director for Muse – Midlands, said:
“We have worked closely and in partnership with Solihull Council to develop an exciting, transformational masterplan proposal for Mell Square to support the evolution of the town centre.
“As an already successful and vibrant place, our challenge is to enhance what works well and re-invigorating the area is critical to our approach, adapting to the changing needs of consumers and the community.
“By delivering more town centre living, smaller and bespoke new public spaces, more places to spend leisure time, an evening and nighttime economy, and more jobs and training opportunities we can help bring an exciting new feel to Solihull.”
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said:
“Solihull enjoys a well-established reputation as a vibrant, attractive and welcoming destination for high quality shopping, business and leisure. With a proven track record of attracting high quality occupiers and investment, we have one of the best-performing town centres in the country. However, as retail habits and the way we use our local centres continue to change, we need to ensure what we are offering also evolves. It’s important that we plan and invest now so that Solihull town centre remains an exciting, thriving and accessible place for people to enjoy.
“As well as creating new space for high quality retailers, restaurateurs, independent businesses and providing a range of new housing right in the heart of the town centre, this scheme will also bring benefits for the wider borough in terms of investment, new jobs and training opportunities. Over time, new communities making their homes in our town centre will bring a boost to local businesses and feed our growing evening economy.
"I’m really excited with what Muse and Howells have produced so far and am looking forward to consulting on our emerging masterplan soon.”