Solihull’s ‘landmark moment’ sees green light for Holbeche Place
After three years, thousands of pages of planning documents and countless hours of consultations, work is now expected to begin imminently on Solihull’s landmark regeneration scheme.
Plans by Muse and Solihull Council to transform the town’s 1960’s-era Mell Square shopping precinct with up to 1,600 homes, retail, and public spaces were unanimously approved by the council’s planning committee on Friday night.
The scheme had been earmarked for approval by the council’s planning officers ahead of a committee meeting on 6 February, who described their recommendations as “finely balanced” in a report to councillors.
Phase one of the development, which will include the first 346 homes and two commercial units, will now get underway with the demolition of an existing multi-storey car park, along with a petrol filling station, set to make way for four residential apartment buildings with ground floor commercial units, amenity space and public realm areas.
The scheme will also be rebranded as Holbeche Place – a nod to the prominent Holbeche family who helped shape the early fabric of Solihull.
Mell Square in Solihull is set for a major mixed-use redevelopment. Credit: Muse
Lisa Turley, Development Director at Muse, said the development would “re-energise” the town centre and create a lively central destination for people to meet, relax and socialise.
“We’ve worked in partnership with Solihull Council and other town centre partners to develop an ambitious and sustainable masterplan for Holbeche Place. It will be a vibrant neighbourhood, with space for independent retailers, homes for the whole community, and green public spaces,” she said.
“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.”
The site was bought up by Solihull Council from former owner IM Properties in 2021, just over a year after the authority published its masterplan for the area. Muse were appointed as developers for the Mell Square project in 2023, and a hybrid planning application was submitted to the council in March last year.
Cllr Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, said the approval of the scheme was a landmark moment for Solihull.
“We have a successful town centre, attracting visitors from across the region, but we recognise that to stay successful we must develop and change,” she said.
“Holbeche Place is a generational opportunity to curate a place which delivers the homes we need, exciting new shops, bars, and restaurants, and spaces which attract more people to visit Solihull.
“There will also be opportunities to ensure a wide range of benefits for the whole borough – from new jobs, and training opportunities, to attracting additional investment in the years ahead.
“We’re excited to continue working with Muse and look forward to beginning construction on phase one of the development as soon as possible.”
