Solihull Council and nationwide place maker Muse have signed a Development Agreement to regenerate Mell Square, the iconic shopping hub in the heart of Solihull town centre.
This crucial milestone follows Cabinet approval last month, where the Mell Square redevelopment scheme was considered by Councillors.
The exciting proposals to transform Mell Square with mixed uses including a significantly improved retail offer, new public spaces, leisure facilities, and homes are part of the wider Solihull Town Centre Masterplan, a bold blueprint for future investments and development opportunities in the heart of the borough.
With an enviable reputation for regeneration and development across the UK, including sites such as Newcastle Quayside, Muse were chosen as the preferred development partner for this project in October 2023. A series of public engagement activity took place during spring and summer this year, including online surveys to gather input from Solihull residents and businesses on the future of Mell Square.
The latest round of engagement is currently underway as part of the pre-planning process giving local people the opportunity to share their views on what the reimagined shopping district could look like. This feedback will help inform the planning application to be submitted in the New Year.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:
“This is really great news for Solihull and the future of our town centre!
“This Development Agreement means that we are entering a crucial phase of the regeneration. With Muse’s expertise as a nationwide developer, I am confident that we can reinvigorate Mell Square to enhance Solihull town centre’s existing retail offer, visitor attractions and diversify the night-time economy.
“I’m really pleased to see a strong focus on new housing as part of Muses’ proposals. It’s so important that we can provide a range of properties for our residents, from starter homes onwards. Bringing more people into our town centre can only be a boost to our local businesses and the wider economy.
“It is important to incorporate the views of residents and businesses across our borough as we progress with the Mell Square redevelopment. I am therefore pleased that there will be more public engagement sessions this November, both in person and online. This will allow the local community to share their feedback on the next phase of this exciting project.”
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at Muse, said:
“The regeneration of Mell Square is a unique opportunity to respond to the changing demands on Solihull town centre. Our vision could deliver a bold mixed-use neighbourhood with new evening and night-time uses, alongside new homes and public spaces.
“Having a Development Agreement in place enables us to build on the important work we have already done to develop our approach. We are looking forward to undertaking further engagement with the community later this year and showcasing our exciting plan before submitting a planning application.”
Before finalising and submitting an outline planning application to Solihull Council, Muse is inviting the community to view the proposals and provide their feedback on the website: www.mellsquaresolihull.co.uk.
Launched last week, the Community Conversation will run until 2 December, with events throughout the month. Two in person drop-in sessions will take place on Wednesday 13 and Saturday 16 November in Mell Square.
As Mell Square undergoes redevelopment, Muse will implement a range of short-term activities such as pop-up themed markets and educational workshops as part of a comprehensive strategy to maintain the Mell Square visitor experience. These activities could begin as early as winter 2025.