News

Planning application submitted for Mell Square regeneration

Turley has supported Muse with the submission of a hybrid planning application to Solihull Council for the regeneration of Mell Square in Solihull town centre.

Turley provided expert services including Planning, Strategic Communications, Environmental Impact Assessment, Heritage and Townscape and Sustainability in support of the application, which seeks to deliver up to 1,600 homes. The new, mixed-use neighbourhood will also include shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and public spaces, as well as opportunities for other uses such as office space and a hotel. 

If approved, the plans to regenerate Mell Square will improve the overall town centre offer and help diversify the local economy.  

New town centre living – including build-to-rent and affordable homes – aims to attract young professionals and families, whilst restaurants, bars, and entertainment opportunities aim to diversify the daytime offer and encourage a new evening and nighttime economy. 

The application also includes a range of flexible, biodiverse, green public spaces and improved pedestrian routes. These will support a successful blend of food, drink, and community and entertainment venues. 

Vicky Fox, Associate Director at Turley, said: 

“We are proud to have been part of the team that has submitted the hybrid planning application for the regeneration of Mell Square, marking a significant step forward towards the delivery of a thriving, mixed-use neighbourhood. 

“The proposals provide a significant opportunity to greatly enhance the town centre’s offer, providing much-need homes, jobs, community spaces and a renewed sense of place for local residents and visitors. 

“We look forward to continuing to support the development in delivering this fantastic vision.”

Lisa Turley, Development Director at Muse, said:

“We have worked closely and in partnership with Solihull Council to develop an ambitious masterplan proposal.

“It’s an approach which has been informed by detailed consultation with the community and partners from across the town centre. We’ll continue to work closely with established businesses, tenants, and residents as the process develops to minimise disruption and shape the next steps.

“This is an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the council, and others, to deliver.” 

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“This is a significant milestone for the regeneration of Mell Square and part of our long-term plan to diversify and strengthen our town centre offer.

“Muse has been working on their proposals for some time, and I am pleased they have been engaging with local communities and town centre stakeholders to help inform their plans. This ambitious redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and has the potential to bring huge benefits to the wider borough in terms of new jobs, investment, and training opportunities.

“We look forward to reviewing their detailed proposals as we enter the next stage of the planning process.” 

The submitted proposals have been shaped following significant engagement with the community and partners across the town centre.  A number of community events have been held by Muse, including an online webinar and a series of in-person, drop-in events in Mell Square, supported by our Strategic Communications team. The events sought to showcase the emerging masterplan designs and concepts and gain feedback from the community, alongside wider discussions with the Town Centre Forum and other partners.  

As the local planning authority, Solihull Council will now consider the application before making a final decision. This is expected later in 2025 and, if approved, construction of the first phase could begin as soon as next year. 

8 April 2025