The proposals

About Mell Square

The redevelopment of Mell Square is being delivered by Muse, working in partnership with Solihull Council.

The Mell Square masterplan covers 6.4ha in the heart of Solihull town centre, delivering new homes alongside commercial and leisure uses. High-quality and flexible public realm space are at the heart of a strategy, which will transform the town centre over the long-term.

Approximately 5,300 sqm of public green space will be delivered, along with over 10,000 sqm of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. This is in addition to the retention of 5,570 sqm of existing commercial space.

The future of Mell Square

Whilst Solihull has a successful town centre, the local authority has recognised that – to stay successful – it must, invest, regenerate and change.

This means creating a place that draws people into the town centre either to live, or to enjoy a thriving evening and nighttime economy – not just to shop.

It must be attractive and encourage people to explore and support a range of independent and successful businesses on its fringes, and create an attractive place for people to live. It is fundamental to the long-term economic prosperity of Solihull.

Mell Square’s place in history

Mell Square was designed in the mid-20th century when concrete architecture was the dominant force in urban developments. From when it was built in the 1960s to the early 2000s, the mix of household retail chains and independent stops attracted local people and visitors from further afield. Its reputation was built on being a shopping destination but retail is no longer the big attraction for visitors with online shopping the driver of most people’s shopping habits.

In our recent Insights Survey, local people highlighted their preference for leisure, independent retail, entertainment and community amenities.

It’s now the time for change to evolve Solihull’s town centre to make it inclusive, accessible and economically vibrant.

The Masterplan

The Mell Square masterplan is centred on four key principles which have been designed to shape the place, respond to the opportunity, and deliver social and economic benefits to Solihull.

Flexible and dynamic public spaces are central to the vision. A multi-purpose civic heart will bring a successful blend of food, drink, community, and entertainment venues which will not only serve a blossoming new community but established residents.

Smaller spaces and courtyards will create additional opportunities for people to visit and explore, whether simply to eat lunch or meet friends.

Landscape Strategy

Drury Gardens

Situated in what is largely a residential quarter of the masterplan, Drury Gardens is intended to be a green, calm, accessible space where residents may unwind amongst planting and rain gardens.

Poplar Yard

Poplar Yard is a more intimate scale space designed to encourage active use from the adjacent café’s, bars and restaurants both during the day and in the evening.

New homes for local people

Creating new homes in this sustainable location is central to our vision for unlocking the opportunities that Mell Square - a prominent brownfield site - offers us.

Living in Solihull town centre will be popular with excellent transport links, retail and leisure on its doorstep. Our redevelopment plans will cater for the needs of all generations. From a young family buying their first property to retired people wanting to stay in the heart of the town centre with local amenities and meeting places on their doorstep.

Currently our proposals will potentially deliver up to 1,600 new homes, with the residential offer will vary from 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments to residential duplexes.

As one of Solihull’s most prominent Brownfield sites, delivering new homes in Mell Square is an important part of Solihull Council’s ‘Brownfield First’ commitment to providing housing in a location where residents will be less car dependent and closer to amenities. Therefore, the redevelopment proposals provide the perfect opportunity to accommodate a growing local population while helping reduce the rate of urban sprawl around the town.