A new commemorative feature celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 1971 visit to Solihull is nearing completion in Chelmsley Wood, with some locals dubbing it the Midlands' answer to Stonehenge.
The project, part of an upgrade to Queen’s Gardens and Kingshurst Brook located beside the Asda car park, includes repositioning a stone and plaque that mark the historic visit, along with the installation of new stones arranged in a circular ‘henge’ formation. These stones, sourced from Welsh quarries, were funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Though the main stonework is in place, additional elements such as planting, noticeboards, seating, litter bins, and a butterfly sculpture crafted from discarded shopping trollies are still to be installed.
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Local reactions have been mixed. Nigel Terry praised the feature, saying, “It’s like Stonehenge, I think it’s great. There’s a cost-of-living crisis but how much is this costing? I still like it.”
Conversely, some residents expressed concerns about potential issues. Julie Wakefield, a long-time resident, remarked, “It’s alright but it’s going to be a magnet for kids and graffiti. It’s lovely and I’m all for the environment and it’s tidier.”
Retired firefighter and cyclist Adrian Head raised safety concerns: “It’s good effort but they needed to talk to the community first and ask about the hazards. It’s likely going to be a magnet for homeless people and drug takers. The stones are going to get names in slate. It might have been better lawned. We might get a community of Druids.”
Dave Taylor viewed the project positively but cautioned about vandalism: “It’s a nice idea, good for the area and it cheers (the area) up. The only down side is there’s going to be graffiti. They’ve done it to clear the drink and drug users but it won’t be long before they use it again.”
Carer Maria Toon noted the feature’s appearance but questioned its maintenance: “It’s lovely, it’s nice and clean but how long will it stay like this?”
Riverside visitor Shafron Ali welcomed the update: “I think it’s good, it needed updating.”
Some local councillors weighed in during a litter pick along the riverside. Councillor Samantha Gethen commented, “You have the Queen’s memorial but they could’ve done something that was more in keeping with the environment. They took down two healthy trees. It could’ve been better spent.”
Councillor Ian Brown reported community feedback, saying, “We had a surgery in the library and the comments we heard was ‘Temu Stonehenge.'”
Solihull Council’s environment chief Coun Ken Hawkins expressed support for the project in June: “It’s fantastic to see work underway at Queen’s Gardens and Kingshurst Brook. These improvements are an important part of our commitment to creating greener, healthier and more accessible spaces for local people. By enhancing the footpaths, opening up views to the river and restoring the natural environment, we’re making this much-loved area more welcoming for everyone. This project is a great example of how the Your Future Chelmsley Wood programme is investing in our communities and helping residents enjoy the fantastic green spaces on their doorstep.”