Solihull residents are being given a new opportunity to comment on a proposed multimillion-pound ‘urban village’ at Mell Square shopping centre. The scheme, which promises to bring new bars, shops, and restaurants, has moved forward this year after first being unveiled in 2023.

Solihull Council took control of Mell Square Ltd in April 2021 for just short of £35 million and later assigned Muse Places Ltd as the preferred partner for the project. Muse’s original vision for the project included attracting new eateries and shops to boost the evening economy, improving public spaces and connectivity, creating a residential area to draw young people to Solihull, and setting a high standard for sustainable building in the town centre.

In early 2024, the plan advanced to an “early design phase” with ambitions to start the initial stage of development by autumn 2025. Following an online survey conducted over the summer allowing public input, last month the Council’s cabinet approved a development agreement in a private session of their meeting, reports Birmingham Live.

Muse has announced the advancement into the next phase of public consultations, aiming to get insights from residents and businesses regarding future developments. Speaking on the matter, Muse’s managing director Maggie Grogan commented: “In partnership with Solihull Council we are bringing forward transformative Mell Square proposals that will reinvigorate Mell Square as a destination for living, shopping and socialising.”

She added, “This year, we have already held events in Mell Square and carried out an online public survey to gather the views of local people. We’ve attracted a good level of interest highlighting how invested the community is in the future of Mell Square.”

“We look forward to having more conversations and receiving feedback on the plans before we submit a planning application next year.”

The ongoing ‘community conversation’ consultation events will continue until December 2.

These encompassed a virtual event earlier this week accessible via mellsquaresolihull.co.uk and two in-person drop-in sessions scheduled for November 13 and November 16 at Mell Square.

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