Residents, shoppers and visitors to Knowle will be able to relax, sit down and catch up with friends in the brand new parklet.
This attractive seating area with a range of interesting plants is located outside Theo Georgio and Palmers on the High Street and is a beautiful space to sit and enjoy a coffee this summer.
Visit Knowle came up with the idea for the parklet and managed to secure £17,000 from Solihull Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Fund and further support from the Towns and Local Centres fund to make it a reality.
Chris Gregory, Visit Knowle Director and lead on the parklet project said:
“We want Knowle to continue to be a place our residents are proud of. The parklet is a lovely addition to the High Street providing an attractive place where visitors can pause and relax.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank several volunteers who helped us plan and deliver the project including Mike Lally from Cadence Projects and Gary Harper from Harper Architects. We’d also like to thank EH Smith and Mercia Estates for their generous contributions to the project.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council said:
“I know how much places to dwell and relax are enjoyed in other centres across Solihull, so I’m really pleased to see that shoppers, visitors and residents are already using and enjoying the parklet in Knowle.
“It’s also good to see the planting containers been returned to town centre to brighten up the High street with summer bedding after renovation work by the Council”.
Local independent coffee shop owner, Clare from Freda’s Deli, said:
“It’s a fantastic way to bring the community together.”
Visit Knowle works to support Knowle to be a vibrant, attractive place to live and work, focusing on projects that support the village centre. To find out how you join the planting team, or get involved in projects, visit Join Today – Visit Knowle.
Photo caption:
Sat down L-R: Cllr Diana Holl-Allen MBE, Mrs Pinwell, Kim Hulse (Visit Knowle) Rupert Waters (interim head of economic development at Solihull Council)
Stood up L-R: Cllr Ian Courts, Roger Cook (Chair of Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum), Chris Gregory (Director, Visit Knowle), Leighton Jones (Membership Secretary, Knowle Society). Dave Pinwell (Director, Visit Knowle)