Activities and pop-up markets will run in Solihull as part of an ambitious redevelopment programme in the town centre. Last year, plans for the redevelopment of Solihull’s Mell Square took a step forward.
The proposed multi-million-pound project aims to transform Mell Square shopping centre into an ‘urban village’. The plans, which include new shops and restaurants, were originally revealed after Solihull Council paid just under £35 million to take control of Mell Square Ltd in April 2021.
Muse Places Ltd was later chosen as the preferred development partner and it was announced that the first stage of works could begin in autumn 2025. You can read the full timeline of development plans for Mell Square in our explainer, here.
READ MORE:The major developments that could transform Solihull in 2025
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The council announced last month that as Mell Square undergoes redevelopment, Muse will implement a range of short-term activities such as “pop-up themed markets” and educational workshops as part of a comprehensive strategy to maintain the Mell Square visitor experience. These activities could begin as early as winter 2025.
No further detail has been confirmed about the pop-up markets, but every year Solihull hosts a number of events, including a food festival, jazz festival and summer holiday activities, which could involve Mell Square. An artist impression was also shared by the council, which showed crowds of people in Mell Square, with greenery, a stage and play area.
CGI concept design for a redeveloped Mell Square in Solihull town centre which would fit into the council’s based Solihull Town Centre Masterplan
(Image: Muse Developments / Howells Architects)
In November, when a development agreement was signed between Solihull Council and Muse developers, Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “This Development Agreement means that we are entering a crucial phase of the regeneration. With Muse’s expertise as a nationwide developer, I am confident that we can reinvigorate Mell Square to enhance Solihull town centre’s existing retail offer, visitor attractions and diversify the night-time economy.
“I’m really pleased to see a strong focus on new housing as part of Muses’ proposals. It’s so important that we can provide a range of properties for our residents, from starter homes onwards. Bringing more people into our town centre can only be a boost to our local businesses and the wider economy.
“It is important to incorporate the views of residents and businesses across our borough as we progress with the Mell Square redevelopment. I am therefore pleased that there will be more public engagement sessions this November, both in person and online. This will allow the local community to share their feedback on the next phase of this exciting project.”
Work on the shopping village has to begin within three years when planning permission expires.