Solihull's 'Once in a Generation' Mell Square Transformation Decision Expected This Week
An ambitious multi-million pound plan to completely transform Mell Square shopping centre into what's being described as an 'urban village' could take a crucial step forward this Friday, when Solihull's planning committee meets to consider the landmark application.
The extensive redevelopment proposal, which has been called a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" by council leaders, looks set to receive the green light from planning officers who have recommended approval, albeit with conditions attached to address concerns about the scheme's scale and impact on heritage assets.
What the Development Would Include
The comprehensive application outlines a complete overhaul of the existing shopping centre site, with plans for:
- 1,600 new homes – a carefully balanced mix of rental properties and private sale residences designed to meet local housing needs
- 300 hotel rooms to boost Solihull's tourism and business accommodation capacity
- 57,049 square metres of non-residential space – potentially including shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to create a vibrant commercial heart
- Three distinct public areas designed for different community uses
Public Spaces and Community Benefits
The development would create three specifically designed public neighbourhoods within the urban village concept:
- Mell Square Neighbourhood – a flexible events space capable of hosting community gatherings and cultural activities
- Poplar Yard Neighbourhood – dedicated to spill-out dining spaces that would create a continental-style café culture
- Drury Garden – featuring extensive green spaces and play areas to provide much-needed recreational facilities
Planning officers acknowledge in their report that while the development's scale presents challenges to Solihull's townscape and heritage assets, the public benefits create a "finely balanced" recommendation. They note that the scheme's advantages include regeneration and diversification of the town centre, efficient use of previously underutilised brownfield land, economic benefits, and promotion of sustainable transport modes.
Phased Development Approach
The application confirms that the redevelopment would be delivered in carefully managed phases, with the initial stage involving clearance and demolition of all existing buildings on the site. This phased approach aims to minimise disruption while allowing for the complex transformation to proceed systematically.
Council Deputy Leader Ian Courts, who serves as lead member for managed growth, has previously emphasised the project's potential to bring substantial benefits to Solihull, including new jobs, significant investment, and valuable training opportunities for local residents.
Decision Day Details
The planning application stands as the sole item on the agenda for Solihull Council's planning committee meeting scheduled for Friday, February 6th, beginning at 4pm. The meeting will be open to the public, both in person and via live streaming on the council's official website, ensuring transparency in this significant decision-making process.
This represents a pivotal moment for Solihull's town centre development, with the proposed Mell Square transformation potentially reshaping the area's character and economic prospects for decades to come.
