Senior Solihull councillors have given their support to the next phase of the ambitious regeneration of Kingshurst village centre, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progress.
The large-scale revitalisation received initial planning approval in April 2022, with the goal of completing the development by 2026. The first phase delivered 25 social rented homes, ranging from three to four bedrooms, built on the former Mountfort pub site. Residents moved in last year, setting the stage for further transformation.
Phase two promises to be even more impactful, featuring a new community, health, and retail building, six additional houses, and a new vicarage. The community building is designed to host essential services, including GP provision, public health facilities, a library, versatile community spaces, and retail units. Plans also include a community café and a convenience store operated by Co-op, which already manages the village store.
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A significant development is the proposal to relocate Solihull Community Housing (SCH) from Endeavour House to this new facility. This move aims to enhance accessibility and foster stronger community connections.
Solihull Council’s cabinet, having agreed last January to progress phase two and determine costs, recently reviewed the construction estimates provided by Willmott Dixon, the council’s construction partner. Although discussed in private, the cost is reported to be “broadly in line with expectations.”
Helen Bielby, the project manager, informed councillors that since September, efforts have focused on resolving financial and occupancy challenges related to the community building. The overall size and external design will remain unchanged, avoiding the need for additional planning consent or extensive redesigns. However, internal modifications will accommodate the new tenants’ requirements. After reviewing options post-cost analysis, relocating SCH into the building was identified as the optimal solution.
To finalize the design stage and prepare a comprehensive business case for construction commencement in 2026, £340,000 in funding was sought and approved by the councillors. The cabinet also endorsed SCH’s relocation.
Council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell acknowledged the steady progress, praising the extensive work undertaken so far. Councillor Ian Courts, deputy leader and lead member for managed growth, described the decision as a significant advancement toward establishing a vibrant, contemporary village centre in Kingshurst. He emphasized that phase two, particularly the community, health, and retail building, represents the most complex part of the entire project. Its role as a central hub for multiple services explains the time taken to refine the plans.