NEC Receives Green Light for Summer Outdoor Cinema and Children's Play Zone
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Solihull has officially secured planning permission to establish a seasonal outdoor cinema and children's play area on its landscaped lawns. This temporary installation will operate during the warmer months, providing additional leisure facilities for visitors to the popular attraction.
Planning Approval for Temporary Structures
In December 2025, the NEC Group submitted an application to Solihull Council seeking authorization to temporarily install a marquee, cinema screen, and children's play towers on the lawns adjacent to Pendigo Lake. The proposal outlined that all structures would be installed and removed annually, with the site fully restored after each operational season.
Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement services, issued the decision notice granting planning permission on March 31, 2026. The approval is subject to specific conditions designed to ensure the temporary nature of the development.
Operational Details and Seasonal Schedule
According to the planning statement provided by the NEC Group, the outdoor site is planned to operate from March through the end of September for the 2026 season. This timeframe includes allowances for installation and decommissioning periods on either side of the main operational months.
The facility will maintain the following opening hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Weekends and bank holidays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The NEC emphasized that this development represents an ancillary use to their established operations and will not result in any permanent change of use or built development on the site.
Council Conditions and Community Response
The planning permission includes several important conditions. All structures must be removed annually outside of the spring and summer months, and the applicant must follow standard NEC operating procedures for site management. These measures ensure the temporary and reversible nature of the installation.
Notably, no objections were raised by Solihull consultees, including those responsible for flooding and public protection matters. Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council also made no observations regarding the proposal, indicating broad community acceptance of the temporary leisure facility.
Strategic Benefits and Compliance
The NEC Group's planning statement described the proposal as "an acceptable temporary, seasonal leisure use within the NEC estate" that is "compliant with planning policy." This development enhances the visitor experience during peak seasons while maintaining flexibility for future use of the space.
This approval follows the NEC's established pattern of creating seasonal attractions that complement their year-round exhibition and event operations. The outdoor cinema and play area will provide family-friendly entertainment options during the summer months, potentially increasing visitor numbers and enhancing the overall appeal of the NEC complex.
