Mayor to invest in major redevelopment of Solihull town centre

The Mayor of the West Midlands is set to invest £20m into a major redevelopment of Solihull’s former Mell Square, part of his on-going drive to secure vibrant futures for the region’s town and city centres. 

The financial backing will be used to help fund the area - now known as Holbeche Place - which will bring new shops, restaurants and more than 1,600 new homes into the centre of Solihull. 

The new mixed-use neighbourhood will be built in phases over the next ten years and is a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine the town centre, injecting fresh life and vibrancy. 

Announcing the investment at the UKREiiF real estate show in Leeds, the Mayor said: “High streets were never just places to buy things. They were where communities met, where local businesses grew and where people felt pride in the place they lived.

“Too many town centres have been hollowed out over recent years and people have felt that decline. I want us to reverse that. That means bringing life and vitality back into the heart of our towns and cities.   

“Holbeche Place is exactly the kind of redevelopment our region needs - high quality homes, new businesses, safer streets and more people living in and using the town centre every day.  

“This is about building back our communities. A town centre people can feel proud of. A place where working people, young families and older residents can all see a future for themselves.” 

Inspired by Solihull's heritage the neighbourhood combines new homes, independent retail, food and drink, cultural activity, and high-quality public spaces.

It will be delivered by nationwide placemaker Muse in partnership with Solihull Council. 

Paul Johnson, chief executive at Solihull Council, said: “Holbeche Place is a pivotal investment opportunity that will strengthen Solihull’s position as one of the UK’s most resilient and high‑performing town centres.

"We welcome this latest investment and the continued support of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

“Our partnership with Muse is unlocking a major development programme that brings new homes, high‑quality commercial space and a significantly enhanced public realm into the heart of the borough.

"This is a strategic, long‑term commitment to driving economic growth, attracting new occupiers and ensuring Solihull town centre continues to offer a compelling proposition for residents, businesses and investors.”

The Mayor’s investment will be used to support the delivery of the first two phases of Holbeche Place which will see the construction of 346 build-to-rent homes, followed by 228 affordable homes, setting the foundations for the delivery of the wider masterplan.