Solihull’s town centre revival

Howells has secured unanimous planning approval from Solihull Council Planning Committee on Friday 6 February for Mell Square, a seven-hectare masterplan in Solihull. Developed for Muse, the scheme proposes the transformation of a mid-20th-century town centre into a mixed-use neighbourhood, responding to changes in retail, housing demand and patterns of town centre use.

Working in collaboration with Muse and Solihull Council, Howells’ brief was to redefine Mell Square as a resilient town centre that builds on Solihull’s existing retail offer and independent business culture. The approved masterplan proposes a combination of retention, refurbishment and selective replacement of existing buildings, alongside new residential and commercial development, to consolidate activity and support long-term adaptability.

The scheme includes up to 1,600 homes, incorporating build-to-rent and affordable housing, supported by over 57,000 sq m of commercial floorspace for retail, office and civic uses. The introduction of a substantial residential population is intended to support activity beyond traditional retail hours.

Lisa Turley, Development Director at Muse, said: “We’ve worked in partnership with Solihull Council – and other town centre partners – to develop an ambitious and sustainable masterplan for Mell Square, of which we will be taking forward under the new name of Holbeche Place. It will be a vibrant neighbourhood, with space for independent retailers, homes for the whole community, and green public spaces.

“It is also a chance to re-imagine this part of Solihull town centre, in line with the Council’s long-term vision. We have prioritised a new evening economy, restaurants, bars, cultural events, and new spaces to meet and spend time.

“We will continue to work at pace to deliver the opportunity at Holbeche Place. The benefits of redevelopment will be significant, with 170 net new jobs during construction, and many more over the long-term.”

Public realm and movement form a central component of the proposals. Vehicle-led routes are rationalised and replaced with a network of pedestrian-priority streets and spaces, improving permeability across the site. The approach references Solihull’s historic motto Urbs in Rure (‘Town in the Country’), with open routes and landscaped spaces replacing enclosed shopping passages.

Rob King, Director at Howells, said: “The project addresses challenges common to many UK town centres. By combining reuse with new development, the masterplan supports economic resilience while retaining continuity with Solihull’s established character, and providing a replicable model for town centre revival.”