Solihull Council has approved major plans to redevelop Mell Square, bringing up to 1,600 new homes, shops, and public spaces to the town centre.
The project, which will now be called Holbeche Place, aims to transform the heart of Solihull into a modern area with housing, retail, restaurants, and green spaces.
The redevelopment is being delivered in partnership with Muse, which has been working with the council since 2023 on the masterplan.
The plans include a mix of homes for rent, affordable housing, and homes for sale. The council said this will help attract young professionals, families, and older residents to live in the town centre.
New public areas, including Drury Gardens and Poplar Yard, will be created to give people places to relax, meet, and socialise. There will also be space for independent shops, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues.
Lisa Turley, Development Director at Muse, said the project will create a “vibrant neighbourhood” and bring new life to Solihull town centre.
She said the development will also create around 170 new jobs during construction, with many more jobs expected in the future.
Council Leader Karen Grinsell called the decision a “landmark moment” for the town.
She said: “Holbeche Place is a generational opportunity to deliver the homes we need, exciting new shops, bars, and restaurants, and spaces which attract more people to visit Solihull.”
She added that the project will also bring new jobs, training opportunities, and investment to the borough.
Early demolition work is expected to begin soon, with construction set to start on the first phase of the development as soon as possible.