Century-Old Snooker Club Finds New Home Amid Major Regeneration
A historic snooker club in Solihull, with more than a century of history, has secured its future by gaining permission to relocate. The Grenville Snooker Club is moving from its long-term home at 702 Warwick Road to a new industrial site, a move directly triggered by the impending multi-million pound redevelopment of Mell Square.
The Catalyst for Change: The Mell Square Redevelopment
The ambitious plan to transform Mell Square shopping centre into an 'urban village' is progressing swiftly. Muse Places Ltd, Solihull Council's chosen development partner, aims for work to begin in 2026. This extensive regeneration, however, requires the demolition of the snooker club's current building, which is scheduled for the end of 2025 as part of the project's second phase.
Faced with this deadline, a comprehensive search for a new location was initiated by the council in conjunction with its development partner and commercial agents. This process was carried out in close consultation with the club to find a suitable alternative that would allow its operations to continue uninterrupted.
A New Chapter at Vulcan House
The search culminated in the selection of the newly refurbished Vulcan House on Vulcan Road as the preferred solution. The application for a change of use was submitted by applicant Matthew Lazar in July, following support from the council.
The new site is situated within the Vulcan Road/Boulton Road industrial estate, a predominantly commercial area. According to the design and access statement, internal and external works will be undertaken to ensure the space is perfectly adequate for the club's needs.
Grenville Snooker Club is a members-only establishment with approximately 100 members, who enjoy 24-hour card access. After a consultation held in September, which received no objections, Mark Andrews, the council’s head of planning, design and engagement service, officially granted permission for the move on November 14.
This decisive action ensures that a valued local institution with deep roots in the community can continue to operate and serve its members for years to come, successfully navigating a period of significant urban change in Solihull.
