Plans to rejuvenate public spaces in Solihull Town Centre under the Solihull Town Centre Public Realm Improvement Scheme have encountered funding challenges, with a request for extra financial support now underway.
The scheme aims to modernise pedestrian pathways, squares, and green spaces to boost the overall visitor experience and improve connections to transport hubs, retail areas, and other regeneration projects such as Mell Square.
Initially approved in 2019 with a budget of £575,000, the project was scheduled for completion in 2022. However, delays have pushed the timeline back to 2025, and additional complications have necessitated submitting an amended outline business case (OBC) last month.
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A report presented to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board highlights that an extra £148,879 is sought to progress the project. The OBC indicates a shift from a single large-scale scheme towards a more phased approach, integrating parts of the improvements through separate funding streams or broader initiatives.
As stated in the report scheduled for consideration by the Investment Board on Monday 17 August, the scheme aims to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and the quality of public spaces within Solihull Town Centre, including key areas such as High Street and Church Square.
The funding to date has supported the development of a Strategic Outline Case, resulting in a Public Realm Framework document completed in September 2025 and the submission of the initial OBC in March 2025. Nearly all allocated funds (£568,533 of £575,000) have been claimed.
Due to changes in the funding environment since the project’s inception, the OBC is being updated to reflect a revised delivery model and establish a mechanism to access the additional funds once matching funding opportunities are secured. Final approval from the Investment Board will be required before the revised phased approach can proceed.