2026 updates
Kingshurst update – 10 September 2026
Kingshurst regeneration reaches important milestone
A key report relating to the next phase of the Kingshurst Village Centre regeneration scheme has been published ahead of Solihull Council’s next Cabinet meeting on Thursday 17 September.
The report asks Cabinet to approve arrangements that would enable the Council to accept recently announced funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and progress with Phase 2 of the regeneration project.
Subject to Cabinet approval, this would allow the project to move towards construction later this year on the next and most significant phase of the scheme, including the new Community, Health and Retail (CHR) building, new homes and associated infrastructure improvements.
The proposed CHR building will bring together a range of healthcare, community and retail services in the heart of Kingshurst, creating a modern hub for local residents.
The Cabinet report is available to view here. (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB)
Kingshurst update – 21 July 2026
£8 million funding boost proposed for next phase of Kingshurst Village Centre regeneration
Solihull Council has welcomed the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) decision to approve £8 million of grant funding to support the next phase of the Kingshurst Village Centre regeneration.
The funding is intended to contribute to the capital costs of Phase 2, which will deliver a new Community, Health and Retail (CHR) building at the heart of Kingshurst. This facility is planned to bring GP services, public health spaces, a dentist, pharmacy and opticians together with a new library, community rooms, café and Co‑op store.
The WMCA funding will now need to be formally accepted by the Council. A report seeking to secure this approval and the go-ahead for the project is being prepared to go to Cabinet in September.
Subject to all funding and approvals being in place, construction work for Phase 2 is expected to begin later this year.
Kingshurst update – 13 July 2026
Kingshurst celebrates 70 years with community events!
Residents came together to celebrate 70 years of Kingshurst at a vibrant community event held in Kingshurst Park and Library on 9 July.
A range of fun-filled activities including arts and crafts, gardening sessions, a DJ workshop and a display showcasing the history of Kingshurst were enjoyed by all.
The event gave residents the opportunity to meet members of Kingshurst’s Village Centre Regeneration Team, allowing them to learn more about the ongoing regeneration programme.
From residents to community groups, people of all ages united to celebrate the rich history and exciting future of Kingshurst. It truly highlighted the area’s strong community spirit!
Thank you to our partners, volunteers, staff and attendees who helped make the event such a big success. We look forward to continuing to work together as we help shape the future of Kingshurst while celebrating its proud heritage.
2025 updates
Kingshurst update – 12 December 2025
Solihull Council approves next stage of Kingshurst Village Centre Regeneration
Solihull Council has approved the next stage of the ambitious regeneration of Kingshurst Village Centre, marking another milestone in this community focused scheme.
At its Cabinet meeting last night (Thursday 11 December) councillors endorsed plans to move forward with detailed design work for Phase 2 of the project, which will see the creation of a new Community, Health and Retail (CHR) building, alongside six new houses and a new vicarage.
The CHR building will bring together vital services under one roof, including GP provision, public health services, a library, community spaces, and retail units. In addition, it provides the opportunity for Solihull Community Housing (SCH) to relocate from Endeavour House into the new building, ensuring the centre is fully utilised and financially sustainable.
The approved Cabinet report also unlocks funding to complete the design stage and prepare a Full Business Case and pave the way for construction to begin.
Kingshurst update – 10 December 2025
Mayor leads ribbon cutting celebration at Kingshurst Park
The completion of the Kingshurst Park enhancement project, has been officially marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Mayor of Solihull.
Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the upgraded local park now boasts:
– A brand new play area with inclusive equipment including, swings, butterfly seesaw, roundabout & adventure trail
– Creative spaces including a graffiti wall and communication play panel
– Resurfaced pathways and improved access routes for walkers and cyclists
– New benches, picnic tables, bins and cycle stands
– Enhanced entrances, fresh landscaping, new trees, hedges, bulbs and wildlife boxes to support biodiversity
Kingshurst update – 24 November 2025
Community spirit in full bloom at Kingshurst Park
Kingshurst Park is undergoing a major transformation, with residents, schoolchildren, and community groups recently gathering to help plant over 19,000 spring bulbs.
The event, which saw a selection of daffodils and crocuses added across the site, marks a key moment in the park’s regeneration.
The Mayor of Solihull joined pupils from St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and local volunteers in the planting effort.
Kingshurst update – 14 November 2025
Award winning homes in Kingshurst recognised for excellence in social housing
Phase 1 of the Kingshurst redevlopment, has been named ‘Best Small Social Housing Development’ at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2025 – West Midlands.
Taking the top spot regionally, the scheme has now been shortlisted for the prestigious Grand Finals 2025, placing it among the top social housing projects in the country.
Kingshurst update – 4 November 2025
Kingshurst update – 30 October 2025
Update from Cllr Ian Courts
“We’re making steady headway with the next phase of the project. In September, our contractor Willmott Dixon shared the final costs for current Phase 2 design, which includes the new Community Retail and Health building, six homes, a new vicarage, and all of the surrounding infrastructure.
“We’re working to sign up the tenants for the new community and health spaces, while at the same time finalising our funding plans. A full report outlining the costs, funding, and next steps is being put together for Cabinet to review in December.
“This is a big and complicated project, with lots of moving parts, and important stakeholders to balance. Behind the scenes, we’re continuing to work through the technical, legal, and financial details to make sure we get this right, and the final scheme delivers good value for the public.
“Thanks to everyone in the community for your patience and support. We know it’s taken time, and we’re doing our best to keep you in the loop as things progress. Our aim hasn’t changed. We are working to deliver a transformative scheme focused on high-quality, modern, family housing and a range of community, health and local services, and we’ll review progress at our Cabinet meeting in December.
“In the meantime, members from the project team will be holding an informal drop-in session at Seeds of Hope (St Barnabas Hall) on Thursday 13 November (time tbc). It will be an opportunity to ask any questions and discuss next steps, so please do come along if you can.”
Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Lead Member for Managed Growth
Kingshurst update – 3 September 2025
Upgrading Kingshurst Park
As part of the wider Kingshurst redevelopment, we are delivering an exciting project to improve and upgrade Kingshurst Park.
Based on what you told us you want to see, this will include enhanced and accessible play equipment, new and more inclusive seating as well as work to repair and resurface paths, creating new safer routes through the park.
The project will also involve improving access and visibility at the entrances and boundaries of the park and include new planting and soft landscape works.
Haystoun Construction Ltd. have been appointed to undertake the work which will commence on Monday 8 September and is expected to last up to 12 weeks.
The park will remain open throughout the works, however certain areas will need to be sectioned off as the work progresses.
To limit disruption, the use of any loud machinery will be restricted to between the hours of 7:30am – 4:30pm on weekdays and 8:30am – 2:30pm on Saturdays (if required).
If you have any specific questions relating to the planned work, you can email: ukcteam@solihull.gov.uk
Kingshurst update – 9 June 2025
Looking ahead
With the first substantial phase of construction completed at the end of last year, preparations for Phase 2 are now well underway.
Following a thorough process, the Council has now entered into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) with Willmott Dixon, who oversaw delivery of Phase 1 on the Mountfort site.
This means we can start moving towards the final design stages for Phase 2.
This crucial second phase will sit at the heart of the redevelopment and include the all-important new integrated Community, Health and Retail (CHR) building alongside six new houses and a new vicarage building.
The project team is finalising the designs for Phase 2 in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and the prospective CHR tenants.
Once designs are finalised our contractors can submit their final costings for Cabinet to consider.
There is still a lot of work to do but the project team are aiming for Cabinet consideration before the end of the year with a view to starting construction next spring.
In the meantime, the Kingshurst Park Enhancements project will be delivered this year.
Based on what you told us you want to see, it will provide enhanced and inclusive play facilities aimed at both older children and young people, new and more inclusive seating and benches and work to repair and resurface paths while creating new safer links.
Work will also be carried out to improve access and visibility at the entrances and boundaries alongside new planting and soft landscape works.
2024 updates
Kingshurst update – 13 September 2024
New homes handover – Mountfort site
With work on the Mountfort site nearing completion our building contractor for this phase of the scheme, Willmott Dixon, will be officially signing the properties over to the Council on Monday (16 September). We are pleased to share that tenancies have now been accepted on all 25 of the new properties (managed by Solihull Community Housing) and new tenants are set to begin moving in from Monday.
With so much activity taking place it’s possible traffic along Over Green Road may be busier than usual. To try and limit any disruption, move-in dates have been staggered across the whole of next week.
Pedestrian/Cycle link between Meriden Drive and Chester Road
Linked to the wider scheme, Willmott Dixon will be undertaking work to widen and upgrade the section of footpath between Meriden Drive and Chester Road to create a shared footpath and cycle way.
Work is set to start on Monday (16 September) and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete. Access will be maintained between Meriden Drive and Chester Road, and to all properties along the footpath throughout the work.
If you have any queries or concerns about the work please contact, James Donnelly, Senior Operations Manager, Willmott Dixon: 07966 431 898.
Kingshurst update – 16 August 2024
First phase of sustainable new house building nears completion in Kingshurst
The first 25 new low carbon energy efficient homes are nearing completion on the site of the former Mountfort pub.
This exciting initial phase of housing development includes a mix of three and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, helping to meet the specific needs of the Kingshurst community. The final scheme will provide a new mix of sustainable housing and modern retail space, centred around a brand-new community health and wellness hub.
Prioritising energy efficient materials, in what’s known as a ‘fabric-first approach’, the modern low carbon homes have been built using sustainable prefabricated timber frames, manufactured in the UK and erected on site. This method of construction allows for airtight insulation and combined with ultra-low U-value windows and doors provides for maximum thermal efficiency, so the new homes are both well insulated and economical to heat.
Read more: First phase of sustainable new house building nears completion in Kingshurst | solihull.gov.uk
Kingshurst update – 31 July 2024
Temporary road closure – Over Green Drive
As part of the ongoing work taking place around Kingshurst Village Centre, our contractors will be undertaking further utility and road works on Over Green Drive.
A full road closure, between the junction with Marston Drive and Holliars Grove, will be in place from Monday 5 August, and is expected to last for at least five weeks.
Please note, bus routes will not be impacted and this will not affect access to the shops on Marston Drive or St Barnabas’ Church and Seeds of Hope on Over Green Drive.
If you have any questions relating to this, please feel free to contact the Willmott Dixon site team on 01675 467 666.
Kingshurst updates – 30 July 2024
New Mountfort homes join Council housing stock
With work on the Mountfort site nearing completion, the first set of new homes will shortly be handed over to Solihull Council. New tenants are expected to move in from September as our contactors push ahead with the finishing touches.
The 25 new properties will be managed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) and will be allocated in accordance with the Council’s published Housing Allocation Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
Eligible applicants can already bid on the first advertising cycle which is now live.
A second advert will go live from tomorrow (Wednesday 31 July) and remain open for another week.
The Mountfort site is just the first phase of a much wider regeneration scheme that will deliver a total of 79 sustainable new homes, alongside high-quality new community, health and retail space for the Kingshurst community.
For more information on the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme, please visit: Housing Register – Solihull Community Housing
If you have any questions about how the choice based letting scheme works, why not pop along to one of Becki’s coffee mornings and have a chat. Find her at Kinghurst Library every Thursday, 10:30am – 12pm.
Kingshurst updates – 19 March 2024
Things are taking shape in Kingshurst
The first exciting phase of new house building in Kingshurst is gathering pace.
With foundations laid and groundwork complete, construction on the Mountfort site is now in full swing.
Manufactured here in the UK, the sustainable prefabricated timber frames, which form the structure of the new homes have already shot up. This construction method allows for airtight insulation and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills while also reducing carbon emissions. Attention has now turned to completing the roofing and brickwork before contractors make a start on the internal fitout.
The 25 new homes being built on the Mountfort site will include three and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, helping to meet the specific needs of the Kingshurst community.
Read more here: New homes taking shape in Kingshurst | solihull.gov.uk
Kingshurst Construction Training hub
Find out how the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub is offering local residents the chance to access high quality hands-on training with the aim of opening the door to future employment in the industry.
To register your interest today visit: https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/kingshurst-training
Kingshurst update – 21 February 2024
Creating hands-on training opportunities in Kingshurst
Those looking to take their first steps into the construction industry can now benefit from free local training.
Find out how the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub is offering local residents the chance to access high quality hands-on training with the aim of opening the door to future employment in the industry.
To register your interest today visit: https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/kingshurst-training
2023 updates
Kingshurst updates – 18 December 2023
Road closure update
Over the last 12 weeks our contractors have been busy carrying out a series of drainage upgrade works along Over Green Drive to support the first phase of construction on the former Mountfort pub site.
As planned, Over Green Drive will be reopened, in its entirety, from Friday 22 December (including the junction with Silver Birch Road). This will allow unrestricted road access, and hopefully limit any potential disruption, over the Christmas period while work is paused.
While good progress has been made, in order to complete the work, the junction of Over Green Drive and Silver Birch Road will need to be temporarily closed again in the new year, for a limited time from Monday 8 January.
If you have any specific questions relating to the closure, please feel free to contact our contractors who are overseeing this phase of work. You can contact the Willmott Dixon site team on 01675 467 666.
For the latest information on bus services please check the Transport for West Midlands website: Buses in the West Midlands | Transport for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk) Alternatively you can contact them by phone on 0345 303 6760.
Kingshurst update – 27 October 2023
Find out how you can take your first steps into the construction industry with free training
Interested in a career in construction industry? The Kingshurst Construction Training Hub is offering free local training opportunities.
Funded by the WMCA, the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub combines construction work practice at the Kingshurst Mountfort site and classroom-based learning at RMF’s training centre in Wythall.
Transport with three local pick-up points will be provided. Upon completion, learners will obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card and a guaranteed interview.
To find out more, come along to our drop-in session at:
Kingshurst Library on Tuesday 31 October from 10am to 1pm.
Alternatively, you can visit: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/kingshurst-training
Kingshurst update – 25 October 2023
Latest round of funding unlocked
Great news! We’ve successfully secured a £1.05m grant as part of the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2).
This vital funding is being used to undertake a range of activities which are enabling house building to get underway, including land remediation and underground utility works.
The first phase of housebuilding started last month with work beginning on 25 new sustainable social rented homes.
Read more here: Solihull Council unlocks latest round of funding for ambitious Kingshurst regeneration | solihull.gov.uk
Kingshurst updates – 27 September 2023
House building gets underway in Kingshurst
Work to build 25 new social rented homes on the former Mountfort pub site has now started.
Solihull Council have appointed national contractor Willmott Dixon to deliver this initial phase of housing development, which will include three and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, helping to meet the specific needs of the Kingshurst community.
Prioritising energy efficient materials in what’s known as a ‘fabric-first approach’, the modern homes will be built using timber-frames with a high air tightness score and low U-value windows for maximum thermal efficiency. This will ensure the new homes are both well insulated and economical to heat. Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power. Once built the new homes will be managed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) on behalf of the Council.
This exciting latest step marks a major milestone for the Council-led regeneration scheme and will make a significant initial contribution to the 78 new homes envisioned in the Kingshurst Masterplan.
Read more here: House building gets underway in Kingshurst | solihull.gov.uk
Kingshurst updates – 22 September 2023
Disruption to bus services
Road closures
To support the first phase of construction on the former Mountfort pub site our contractors will be closing Over Green Drive from the Marston Drive roundabout to Sliver Birch Road for road works.
The initial phase of road closures will come into effect on Monday 25 September and remain in place for at least 4 weeks. After this, the junction of Over Green Drive and Marston Drive will be reopened to road traffic – however Over Green Drive is likely to remain closed up to Silver Birch Road for a further 8 weeks.
Full road closure details were recently shared via this bulletin: Kingshurst Village Centre Regeneration Update, 8 September 2023 (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB)
Disruption to bus services
Unfortunately the road closures will result in some disruption to the 95, 71 and A9 bus services, which will need to be temporarily diverted.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now published the diversion routes for the 95 and 71 services on their website: Disruptions – Transport for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk)
To help you plan ahead and visualise the diversion routes we have produced a map these routes. The blue line shows the normal service and the red line shows the temporary diversion which will come into effect from Monday 25 September.
95 Towards Birmingham diverted via Cooks Lane, Fordbridge Road, Cooks Lane, Chester Road, Over Green Drive, Silver Birch Road then normal line of route
95 Towards Chelmsley Wood diverted via Silver Birch Road, Over Green Drive, Chester Road, Cooks Lane, Fordbridge Road then normal line of route
71 Towards Sutton Coldfield diverted via Cooks Lane, Fordbridge Road, Cooks Lane, Chester Road, Over Green Drive, Silver Birch Road, Over Green Drive then normal line of route
71 Towards Chelmsley Wood diverted via Over Green Drive, Silver Birch Road, Chester Road, Cooks Lane, Fordbridge Road Junction then normal line of route
Temporary stops will be placed along the diverted sections of both routes and single stop serving both routes will be placed outside of Tanda’s local convenience store on the Silver Birch Road roundabout.
Once the junction of Over Green Drive and Marston Drive is reopened (after approx. 4 weeks) the 95 will revert to its previous route but bypass the section of Over Green Drive between Marston Drive and Sliver Birch Road, instead travelling along Silver Birch Road / Kingshurst Way / Over Green Drive.
Unfortunately the 71 diversion will need to be kept in place for the full duration of the road closures.
Please note TfWM are yet to confirm the diversion route for the A9 service although it is likely to follow the same route as the 71.
These arrangements and timings may be subject to change. For the latest information please check the TfWM website: Buses in the West Midlands | Transport for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk) Alternatively you can contact them by phone: 0345 303 6760.
Kingshurst update – 8 September 2023
Road closure and diversions on Over Green Drive
To support the first phase of construction on the former Mountfort pub site our contractors will be carrying out a series of sewer diversion and upgrade works.
This will require a planned 12-week road closure along Over Green Drive to be put in place from Monday 25 September (Please see Traffic Management Map).
This initial closure will restrict road traffic along Over Green Drive between the junction with Silver Birch Road and the junction with Marston Drive. A signposted diversion will be in place for all traffic (including bus services) along Silver Birch Road and Kingshurst Way.
After 4 weeks the junction of Marston Drive and Over Green Drive will be reopened to traffic however Over Green Drive will remain closed up to Silver Birch Road for a further 8 weeks.
To control traffic a three-way traffic light will be in place on the junction of Over Green Drive and Silver Birch Road for the duration of the road closure.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, and special access arrangements will be made for homes or businesses directly impacted by the closures.
Please note this will not impact businesses on Marston Drive, which will remain open. Parking will still be available on Marston Drive however road access will only be possible from Gilson Way. Access to the St Barnabas Church and Community Hall car park will be maintained.
Bus route diversion and temporary bus stop relocations will be overseen by Transport for West Midlands. Further information will be communicated as soon as these arrangements have been confirmed.
These arrangements and timings may be subject to change however we will ensure any changes are clearly communicated in advance. While we are taking every measure possible to limit the disruption, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.
If you have any specific questions relating to the closure, please feel free to contact our contractors who are overseeing this phase of work. You can contact the Willmott Dixon site team on 01675 467 666.
Kingshurst update – 4 September 2023
Contractor appointed to start building new homes
With demolition of the main shopping parade now complete, elsewhere on site our contractors are gearing up to begin the first phase of new building work.
Over the last few weeks attention has turned to the former Mountfort pub site, where early groundworks have been getting underway.
Construction on the Mountfort site is now set to commence imminently, with the delivery of 25 new net-zero carbon social rented homes.
Solihull Council have appointed national contractor Willmott Dixon to deliver this initial phase of housing development, which will include three and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes.
Once complete, the new homes will be managed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) on behalf of the Council. This key part of the overall Kingshurst scheme is expected to be completed by September 2024.
As work gets underway you will once again start to notice increased activity in and around the village centre.
During September and October sewer diversions and upgrades to the sewer will need to be carried out on Over Green Drive. While our contractors will try to limit disruption as far as possible, this will require a number of temporary road closures and diversions. Signposted diversions will be put in place and special access arrangements will be made for any homes or businesses that may be directly impacted. We will aim to clearly communicate these as soon as they are confirmed.
Kingshurst Park improvements engagement
Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their feedback on our emerging new concept design (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB) for Kingshurst Park.
It was great to hear from so many of you, as part of our recent engagement activity on improving and upgrading the park, either at one of our park events, our community drop-in sessions or via our online survey.
We are now in the process of gathering all the feedback and speaking with the designers to see how we can take on board some of these ideas and suggestions. We will keep you updated on how this project progresses via this bulletin.
Kingshurst update – 16 June 2023
House building set to start on the former Mountfort pub site
Plans to kick-start construction in Kingshurst on the site of the former Mountfort pub have been given the go ahead.
A Council Report (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB) outlining the proposals was agreed at Cabinet last night.
This means construction could now get underway as early as August with delivery of 25 new net zero carbon social rented homes.
The new properties will be managed by Solihull Community Housing (SCH) on behalf of the Council and will include a mixture of 3- and 4-bedroom family homes as well as 1-bedroom maisonettes in response to local housing need.
It was agreed that construction will be undertaken by Willmott Dixon who are already on the ground in Kingshurst delivering pre-construction works and overseeing the current phase of demolition.
You can read more here.
Kingshurst update – 15 June 2023
Temporary three-way traffic control
As part of the ongoing enabling work taking place around Kingshurst Village Centre, Severn Trent will be undertaking utility works on Over Green Drive (along the corner of the former Mountfort pub site) from Monday 19 June.
The work is expected to last 7 weeks and will involve the installation of a temporary three-way traffic control at the junction of Over Green Drive and Marston Drive.
Please note this will not affect access to the shops on Marston Drive or St Barnabas’ Church and Seeds of Hope on Over Green Drive.
Bus routes will not be impacted however the bus stop at the junction of Over Green Drive and Marston Drive will be suspended from the end of June and temporarily relocated next to the entrance of St Barnabas’ Church.
If you have any questions relating to this please feel free to contact the Willmott Dixon site team on: 01675 467 666.
Kingshurst update – 8 June 2023
Proposals for next step of redevelopment put forward
A report containing recommendations for the next stage of redevelopment in Kingshurst will be considered by councillors later this month.
The report sets out a proposed approach which, if approved, will see the first stage of construction begin on the former Mountfort Pub site as early as this August.
Initial construction on this key site would involve the delivery of 25 new net zero carbon social rented homes.
Elsewhere on the site the first significant stage of demolition, which got underway in March remains on track to be completed by the end of July.
If approved, this next step will mark a major milestone for the council led regeneration scheme and make a significant initial contribution to the 78 new homes envisioned in the masterplan.
The report can be viewed in full on the Council’s website (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB) and will be considered at the next Cabinet session on Thursday 15 June.
We will of course update you on the outcome.
Kingshurst update – 6 June 2023
Kinghurst Park Enhancement Project
Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to share your ideas and suggestions for improving Kingshurst Park. It was great to speak to so many of you last week at our engagement sessions and to hear your views.
If you didn’t get the chance to come along to one of these sessions the concept design has been left on display at Kingshurst Library.
Alternatively, you can still take a look at the concept design and share your own thoughts here:
https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/kingshurst-park
Kingshurst update – 25 May 2023
As a starting point the Council’s landscape team has produced a new concept design for the park, which shows a range of proposed improvments to the access, equipment, planting and landscaping.
The aim is to maximise the potential of this well-used space, while making it feel like a key part of the redeveloped new village centre.
This is an opportunity to enhance the park – providing better facilities for the local community, improving health and wellbeing and boosting biodiversity within the park. We want local residents to be involved in shaping these plans and would love to hear from you.
Share your thoughts
You can take a look at the concept design and share your own thoughts here:
https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/kingshurst-park
Alternatively, why not come and speak to us in person? Members from the project team will be hosting two engagement sessions next week.
We will be on Marston Drive (in front of Kingshurst Park) sharing the plans and capturing your thoughts on Tuesday 30 May and Wednesday 31 May from 11am to 3pm.
Come say hello, share your own ideas and put forward any suggestions you might have for improving our park.
Kingshurst update- 28 April 2023
Temporary 3-way traffic control: Marston Drive / Gilson Way
BT and their sub-contractors have today (28/04) begun utility works linked to the Kingshurst Village Centre Scheme. They had previously been offering a long lead time for these works which would have adversely affected the demolition and enabling contract programme, however they have managed to secure an earlier slot, hence the limited notice to the community.
The work will involve cordoning off a section of footpath along Marston Drive on the opposite side of the road to the Co-op and a section on Gilson Way. The Marston Drive section extends from the corner of Gilson Way to the pedestrian crossing, there will be a temporary bus stop in place and some car parking spaces will need to be suspended. To safely accommodate the works, a 3-way traffic control light will be in operation on the junction of Marston Drive and Gilson Way.
This work is expected to last three weeks. Access to the park will not be restricted.
Kingshurst update – 13 April 2023
Building demolition starts
The latest stage of demolition in Kingshurst is now well underway. Over the last few weeks our contractors have been busy stripping out building interiors and removing material. Alongside this work the actual demolition of the buildings has also now begun.
The image on the right shows Kingshurst Village Centre with the buildings being demolished (as part of the current phase) highlighted in red.
This includes a number of individual houses as well as the entire body of the main parade. We expect to have this significant phase of demolition completed by the end of July.
The lower Parade, which currently houses a range of local shops and services, and nearby Kingshurst Medical Practice are not included in the current phase of demolition and public access to these buildings will be maintained throughout this work.
Minimising disruption
Willmott Dixon were appointed as the main contractor for the initial enabling works and are supervising this important phase of the project. As a founding partner of the Considerate Constructor Scheme (CCS) they are committed to maintaining a safe environment, preventing unnecessary disturbance, and reducing nuisance from their activities for the community.
Although some disruption is unavoidable they will continue working with us to ensure the impact on local residents is as little as possible. No heavy demolition work will be carried out at weekends and all work will be restricted to between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
A range of dust suppression measures will be used to try and minimise dust blowing off site. This will include the use of a mist screen, which dampens and traps dust, and specialised debris netting, which will be installed along key sections of the fence.
Additional efforts are also being taken to maintain a smart and clear site boundary and prevent the spread of mud onto the roads.
Staying safe
A secure physical site perimeter has been in place for a number of weeks now restricting access to the demolition area. To help keep everyone safe pedestrian routes onto the main site have been cordoned off preventing the overlap of vehicle and pedestrian routes.
As work ramps up you may notice an increase in vehicles entering and leaving the site. The demolition has been planned to minimise the movement of excavators and other heavy equipment off site, however when they have to, they will be accompanied by banksmen at all times to guide vehicles and keep the area clear, making sure pedestrians and road users are safe.
If you have any questions relating to safety during the demolition you can raise them with the Willmott Dixon site team. Contact details can be found in their latest project update newsletter. (pdf 0 kB) (pdf 0 kB)
Temporary traffic lights
As part of these enabling works, Virgin Media will be onsite from next week (Monday17 April) carrying out utility connections next to the site of the former Mountford pub. To make sure this work is done safely a temporary 3-way traffic light system will be operating at the bottom of Overgreen Drive. This is likely to be in place for a minimum of 5 days.
Kingshurst update – 24 March 2023
Demolition underway
The latest stage of demolition is now under way in Kingshurst. Our contractors have already made a start stripping out building interiors and will be moving on to physical demolition (including the main parade) very shortly. This work is expected to last from the end of the month through until late July.
From this week access to the lower Parade through the gates near King Valley (Chinese Takeaway) will be closed off. This is to ensure the safety of pedestrians whilst demolition of The Parade takes place however access to the Pharmacy and Post Office via the Library passageway will not be affected.
Willmott Dixon (our main contractor for the initial enabling works) have just issued their second project update newsletter which provides further information as well as a site map.
The newsletter is on display in the new community notice board outside the Co-op and residents living in the intimidate vicinity of the site should receive a copy through the door.
Kingshurst Update – 24 February 2023
Getting ready for demolition
With early enabling work continuing around The Parade, you should start to see activity ramping up in the coming weeks.
Overseen by Willmott Dixon, our contractors have been busy undertaking essential utility works and site surveys to clear the way for the next round of major demolition to begin. This key milestone will include the complete demolition of the main body of the existing arcade – expected to last from late March until the end of July.
Meanwhile the project team are carefully planning the next stage of the project, taking into consideration the current construction environment and the impact increased material costs and inflation is having on development projects, right across the country.
To mitigate these challenges, the project will continue to be carried out in phases, which means the overall order, priority and delivery of stages can be adjusted if needed.
Solihull Council, which is acting in the role of developer, remains committed to the overall delivery of a redeveloped Kingshurst Village Centre.
You may have seen last month that we missed out on additional project funding from Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF). This decision is obviously deeply disappointing, but we will continue working with partners and external funders to secure project funding and currently have other bids in progress.
So far, we have secured contributions from the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Government’s Estates Regeneration fund and drawn on the council’s own resources to support this complex project.
Again, our phased approach allows us greater flexibility as it means we can explore multiple opportunities to access different funding pots.
Hairdressers move to new temporary unit
The regeneration of Kingshurst Village Centre was always going to be a complicated scheme to deliver. That is why a commitment was made early on to maintain essential services and shops within the village centre by temporarily relocating key businesses and services.
The opticians, pharmacy and Co-op were all temporarily relocated last year and will continue operating throughout the demolition and construction works. We were also pleased to support the return of the Post Office which reopened inside the Pharmacy.
Following internal refurbishment, we have now assisted the hairdressers to complete their temporary move. Hair Asylum, previously located at 95 The Parade, has now joined the Co-op in a separate unit based within the former Youth and Community Centre building. This is the final business that will need to be temporarily relocated and means that enabling works within The Parade can now be concluded.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council:
“We have achieved a great deal and made significant progress over the last two years. In that time, we have successfully consolidated land ownership across the site, agreed an ambitious masterplan and secured planning permission for the scheme. We now find ourselves just weeks away from the first substantial phase of demolition. Despite its challenges, I want to reassure residents that we remain committed to seeing this important regeneration scheme through to the end.
“I wish to thank local people for their patience and support in this programme, which we all recognise has been complex and very difficult at times. As with any project like this we will continue to review, and where necessary adapt, our delivery approach but will remain guided by our overall vision of delivering a transformative scheme focused on high-standard modern, family housing and a range of community, health and local services.”
2022 updates
Kingshurst update – 18 November 2022
Early enabling works start next week
With Cabinet approval now in place, the next phase of early enabling works is set to commence from Monday 21 November.
This latest round of activity will involve erecting new boundary fencing around the central portion of the site in order to safely undertake utility works and asbestos surveys (which are a legal requirement for all demolition projects). This vital work will clear the way for the next phase of substantive demolition to get underway in the New Year, which will include the main body of the existing arcade.
Securing the site will mean closing the footpath linking Gilson Way to School Close, however access via Over Green Drive will not be impacted. Access to the businesses still operating on The Parade will be maintained.
Residents living in the immediate vicinity of the site should receive a newsletter from the site team at Willmott Dixon which includes a map showing the new site boundary fencing.
Kingshurst update – 4 November 2022
Co-op moves to new temporary unit
Early Works underway
Things are picking up in Kingshurst! With early works getting underway you will have noticed increased activity taking place as Willmott Dixon prepare to undertake the first substantial phase of demolition.
To try and limit disruption, as far as possible, we have committed to a phased approach to the redevelopment, allowing key local shops and services to continue operating around The Parade throughout the demolition and construction works.
Co-op update
As part of this strategy the opticians and pharmacy have already been temporarily relocated. We were also pleased to support the return of the Post Office which reopened inside the Pharmacy earlier this year.
From today (Friday 4 November) the Co-op convenience store will be moving to a new unit within the former Youth and Community Centre building. This will allow them to continue trading while we get started with the demolition of the northern part of The Parade in the new year. It’s important to stress that this arrangement is only a temporary measure, and the Co-op will be looking to take on a brand new high-spec store as part of the redeveloped village centre and are working with the project team to feed into these emerging designs.
Store Manager, Paul:
“We are looking forward to welcoming customers to our new temporary store. The premises may have changed but we will still be operating in the same way as before with enhancements including; self-scan checkouts, in store bakery and additional ranges. We are increasing our opening hours to 7am to 9pm daily.”
Hairdressers
The final business to be temporarily relocated will be the hairdressers currently located at 95 The Parade. Internal refurbishment works are currently being finished off but they are hoping to join the Co-op in a separate unit based within the former Youth and Community Centre building in the next couple of weeks.
Dentist under new management
Kingshurst Dental Surgery has been serving the community for over 40 years and forms an integral part of The Parade. It has recently been taken over by new management. Local Dentist, Dr Shiv Parekh, has acquired the surgery and brings with him a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and energy to develop the dental services for residents.
Dr Shiv Parekh:
“I’m really excited to be taking over Kingshurst Dental Surgery. During this time of transition, we are determined to make sure we carry on providing the best quality of care and treatments for our patients. We know that tooth decay is increasingly becoming a problem for younger children, so a priority for me is encouraging more families to regularly attend as prevention is key. We provide high quality NHS and Private treatments with no waiting lists. We are currently one of the very few practices in the West Midlands accepting new NHS patients and we are extremely proud of this.
“As the Kingshurst regeneration project begins to shape our community we will initially be staying put in our existing location opposite the library. The first part of the regeneration plan is the construction of the new ‘Kingshurst Integrated Health and Community Wellness Hub’ which will house our new dental surgery alongside your local GP and pharmacy. We are excited to relocate into a state-of-the-art surgery which will allow us to welcome more patients and be more accessible.
“We are working closely with the NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) to make sure the new dental surgery is a centre of excellence and can accommodate all our patients’ needs.
“I have already met many of you but look forward to welcoming new faces.”
To book a dental check-up with Dr Shiv Parekh and his team call 0121 770 3424 or drop them an email at smile@kingshurstdental.co.uk.
Kingshurst update – 12 October 2022
Early demolition works get the go ahead
Further early demolition work has been approved after a project update report went to Cabinet last week. You can read the report in full here, or watch the session back on the Council’s meetings channel. We thought we would take the opportunity to summarise some of the progress made so far and look ahead to the next steps in delivering the ambitious redevelopment of Kingshurst Village Centre.
Temporary relocation of shops
As part of our commitment to retain key local shops and services throughout the development period, the opticians and pharmacy have already been temporarily relocated to units which will not be included in the first phase of the redevelopment. We were also pleased to support the return of the Post Office which reopened inside the Pharmacy earlier this year.
As the next step, planning permission has now been granted to allow both the Co-op convenience store and local hairdressers to move into the former Youth and Community Centre building, which is also not part of the first phase of demolition. Fit-out works are currently underway but we hope that both businesses will be able to relocate by the end of the year.
Health and Community Wellness Hub
At the heart of proposals for this community and health led scheme has always been the provision of a new integrated Health and Community Wellness Hub. This will act as a one-stop shop, bringing together key health services such as your GP, pharmacy and dentist, as well as somewhere to host library services, a cafe and other flexible space for community use. The NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) are developing a Full Business Case (FBC) for this Hub which will define exactly which community and health services need to be delivered and identify an appropriate operating model.
Early Works and next steps
As part of our Pre-Construction Service Agreement (PCSA) with Willmott Dixon a number of onsite works have already been completed, including relocation of the CCTV control centre, demolition of existing garage blocks, site fencing, external works to facilitate the decant of shops and services and a series of site investigation works. This stage of work is nearly complete and, with Cabinet approval in place, we are now looking to commence early works, including further demolition from next month. This stage will clear the way for main contract works to commence in May 2023, subject to Cabinet member approval of the Full Business Case, and will include the demolition of the northern part of the site, including the main body of the existing arcade. A full programme of works will be shared closer to the time.
Anti-social Behaviour
Despite a recent lull in anti-social behaviour and vandalism around The Parade we are aware that this remains a persistent issue impacting all of those who live and work in Kingshurst.
You will have seen efforts to tackle this unwelcome behaviour and secure unoccupied buildings stepped up recently with the installation of additional metal shutters and panelling and the introduction of onsite security.
We continue to monitor this situation on a daily basis and all incidents are being recorded and reported to the police, who are increasing regular patrols in the area and have made a number of arrests. We will continue to work with the police and keep our own measures under review.
If you witness any anti-social behaviour or damage to property, we would encourage you to report it to the police using 101 or in an emergency 999.
Kingshurst update – 19 August 2022
Measures to secure buildings and tackle anti-social behaviour in Kingshurst
Those of you who live around, or use, The Parade regularly will no doubt be aware of the recent spate of anti-social behaviour and vandalism in the village centre.
The situation is being monitored daily and all incidents are being recorded and reported to the police, who are increasing regular patrols in the area and have made a number of arrests.
The safety of everyone who lives in and visits Kingshurst is our top priority so we wanted to share some of the measures we are taking, with our partners, to try and combat and deter this unwelcome behaviour.
You will have seen efforts to secure unoccupied buildings stepped up recently with the installation of additional metal shutters and panelling. Following a full review, we have also taken the decision to alter access arrangements to The Parade by closing access from Church Close and erecting a fence across the bottom of The Parade.
Over the coming days further steps will be taken to secure the former Youth and Community Centre building (including the Library) which has unfortunately been targeted in recent weeks.
Please be aware that despite these measures retailers in The Parade and Library services are not affected and will continue to operate as usual. Access to The Parade will remain open in the daytime during shop opening hours.
We are working closely with the business operators to ensure this continues to be the case and remain committed to supporting both the Co-op and hairdressers in their temporary relocation to the Youth Centre building ahead of further demolition works.
The decision to adopt a phased approach to the demolition and redevelopment of Kingshurst Village Centre was taken in order to try and minimise disruption to the lives of those living and working in the community. We are working towards substantial demolition as soon as we can, which will improve the situation considerably and pave the way for creating a new high quality, community focussed local centre in Kingshurst.
If you witness any antisocial behaviour or damage to property, we would encourage you to report it to the police using 101 or in an emergency 999.
Read the latest on the redevelopment here: Local Leaders back Kingshurst as second round of Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’ opens to applications
Kingshurst update – 11 August 2022
Application made to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’
The Leader of Solihull Council has been joined by the borough’s two MPs and West Midlands Mayor in throwing their support behind the latest key funding opportunity for Kingshurst.
As the Government opens applications to the second round of its £4.8 billion levelling up fund (LUF) we have submitted a bid to try and secure £12m of additional funding to help deliver the redevelopment.
Adding their support to our LUF application both Solihull MPs have written to the Secretary of State to back the scheme and make the strong case for why Kingshurst should benefit from the LUF which is intended to support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets across the country.
Read more here: Local Leaders back Kingshurst as second round of Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’ opens to applications
Kingshurst update – 28 April 2022
Full Planning Application approved
The Kingshurst Planning Application was approved unanimously at last night’s Planning Committee.
Based on the Kingshurst Masterplan, the approval now clears the way for the demolition of the existing local centre and the development of a new mixed-use community focused village centre.
With full planning approval in place we can continue to work with local residents and stakeholders as we progress to the next stage of this scheme.
You can view the Full Application and associated planning documents on the Council’s online planning portal, using the following reference: PL/2021/03072/MAJFDW
Kingshurst update – 25 April 2022
Site investigation works getting underway
To get ready for the Kingshurst redevelopment a series of routine site investigation works around the village centre will be getting underway later this week.
What are we doing?
To understand the ground conditions on site and help inform our approach to constructing foundations for the new development a series of site investigations will be carried out at various locations across the site. This will involve the drilling of 20 separate boreholes and 4 small trial pits. The boreholes will be securely capped off and the trial pits will be backfilled prior to our contractors leaving the site.
Who will be doing the work?
The work will be carried out by engineers from SP Associates on behalf of Willmott Dixon.
How long will they take?
The borehole drilling will take place across four separate days on Thursday 28 April, Friday 29 April and Tuesday 3 May, Wednesday 4 May (between the hours of 8am and 5pm). SP Associates will continue to monitor the site over the next 3-6-month period however this will not require any additional drilling.
Is this likely to cause any disruption?
Most of test boreholes will require our contractors to drill through thick layers of concrete which will result in some noise disruption over the four day period. However no heavy machinery will be used outside of daytime working hours. Pedestrian access in and around The Parade will not be restricted during this work.
Kingshurst update – 9 March 2022
Kingshurst Catch-ups with Becki
With things starting to pick up and lots going on in the Kingshurst community, Solihull Community Housing engagement officer, Becki will be starting a weekly drop-in for local residents to stop by and have a chat.
These informal sessions will take place every Thursday morning (10:30am – 12 noon) at Kingshurst Library, and will be an opportunity to have a friendly cuppa with Becki and talk about the upcoming regeneration work.
Becki will be holding her weekly catch-ups throughout the project to hear your thoughts, and to try and answer any questions you may have about the regeneration. It will also be an chance for her to update you on some of the exciting activities now taking place in Kingshurst.
Want to find out more? Please pop in for a cuppa and chat!
Kingshurst update – 24 February 2022
An early milestone in the ambitious council-led plans to redevelop Kingshurst Village Centre has been reached as the first significant phase of site clearance gets underway.
With £5.5m backing from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Solihull Council has been developing plans for the wholesale transformation and renewal of Kingshurst Village Centre.
At the start of the year Birmingham based contractors, City Demolition were appointed to carry out the first phase of site clearance and demolition works. This early stage work will involve taking down the old clinic building on Colling Walk and nearby garage blocks as well as the demolition of the former housing office (Solihull Youth Hub building) on Church Close once completely vacant.
A phased approach to the overall scheme is being adopted in an effort to minimise disruption to those living and working in Kingshurst while ensuring essential community services can remain open throughout the regeneration. The current phase of demolition does not include any retail units or residential properties.
A full planning application for the scheme was submitted in November which makes provision for up to 79 new sustainable homes, the majority of which will be social rented housing through Solihull Community Housing (SCH), as well as a new vicarage for St Barnabas’ Church. It also shows an improved road layout linking the village centre to the surrounding area, with open green space and a wide footpath linking Kingshurst Park to the school and the heart of the development. Alongside the new homes the plans also make provision for 1207m² of modern floor space for a range of retail and high street uses and a further 2,001m² for health uses and flexible community spaces, including a community café, GP, dentist, opticians and pharmacy within a Community Wellness Hub.
The Full Planning Application is based on the updated Kingshurst Masterplan, which was shared with local residents and business owners both online and as part of a series of outdoor public events last September. Since Outline Planning Permission was granted in December 2020, feedback from consultation with residents and business has helped inform and further refine this final planning application. The latest plans for Kingshurst aim to build on the success of previous nearby schemes at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood to transform the area by radically redesigning the village centre. A decision on the planning application is expected in the next few weeks.
Funding for this initial phase of site clearance and demolition has come from the £1.81m of Estates Regeneration Funding allocated from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund and announced in Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review last year. This builds on funding already received from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said:
“It’s a fantastic feeling to finally see work getting underway in Kingshurst. It’s really important to stress that this is just the first step and that more significant demolition and eventual building works could still be a little way off. However, demolition of these tired and underused old buildings will pave the way for the real work to begin on creating a radical high-quality and community-focussed new centre at the heart of Kingshurst, which I know residents are desperate for us to get on with and deliver.
“Our Full Planning Application provides a blueprint for a new centre in Kingshurst, as well as improving and enhancing the physical environment. If approved it will help unlock some of the huge potential economic benefits Kinghurst stands to gain from its proximity to the airport, NEC, the forthcoming HS2 Interchange Station and the rest of the UK Central Hub.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“Across the West Midlands, we are on a mission to rid our region of shabby, run-down, and derelict buildings that tend to act as magnets for graffiti, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
“That’s why I’m so pleased to see that, supported by £5.5 million of West Midlands Combined Authority investment, the first part of site clearance and demolition of Kingshurst is moving forward to create new homes, shops and leisure facilities for local people.
“This demolition is another contribution to our ‘brownfield first’ approach and here in Solihull you can see the value of regenerating this kind of site and replacing an eyesore with a brand-new centre for the community.”
City Demolition with the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Chief Executive of SCH Fiona Hughes and Leader of Solihull Council Councillor Ian Courts.
Kingshurst update – 2 February 2022
Early site clearance and demolition set to get underway
Things are gathering pace in Kingshurst.
We are pleased to announce that Birmingham based contractors, City Demolition have been appointed to carry out the first phase of site clearance and demolition works as part of this ambitious project to redevelop Kingshurst and deliver a high quality, community focussed new village centre for local residents.
Subject to final approvals, the first phase of site clearance and demolition is set to begin imminently.
This early stage work will be limited to the following buildings (also marked in green on the attached plan) and demolition will happen in two phases. This demolition contract does not include any retail units or residential properties.
Phase 1
- The garage blocks on Church Close, School Close and Over Green Drive
- The old clinic building on Colling Walk (demolition will not extend to the neighbouring former Youth and Community Centre building for this phase of work)
Phase 2 (April Onwards)
- The former housing office / Solihull Youth Hub building on Church Close
Residents living in the immediate vicinity of these buildings will receive a letter from City Demolition which will include further details of planned works and contact details for the site foreman should you need to contact them.
Download large site demolition map here
We will be working with City Demolition to try and minimise the impact of this work on local residents. Unfortunately, a certain amount of noise and disruption is unavoidable and we would be very grateful if you could bear with us on this.
Kingshurst update – 31 January 2022
Share your thoughts, memories, stories and feelings about Kingshurst
As we gear up for an exciting period of radical change and transformation in Kingshurst we want your help to capture and record thoughts, memories and stories from the Kingshurst community.
While the upcoming regeneration will deliver a better-integrated, high quality, community focused new village centre it will, of course, also mean some old buildings and places will disappear for ever.
As part of an ongoing programme the Council and Solihull Community Housing are working with community arts group Parrabbola to deliver some great fun sessions within the community to build those links between the community and culture and properly embed cultural activity into the new Kingshurst development.
Throughout January and February we are visiting local community groups and schools and through informal conversations we are asking you to ‘Give us a Hand’. Through creative conversation we will be asking for your thoughts, memories, stories and feelings about Kingshurst to enable us to capture and document this so it remains embedded in our community.
We’re following this up with a day of visual documentation on Saturday 5 March where you can permanently record your personal memories of favourite places through photographs and other visual recording.
If you would like more information, would like to get involved, would like us to come and visit your group or if you have any questions then please drop the culture team a line on culture@solihull.gov.uk
Don’t forget
You can view the Full Planning Application and associated planning documents, currently under consideration, on the Council’s online planning portal, using the following reference: PL/2021/03072/MAJFDW
Read more here.
2021 updates
Kingshurst update – 29 November 2021
Full Planning Application submitted
Ambitious plans for the wholesale transformation of Kingshurst Village Centre have taken another leap forward with the submission of our Full Planning Application.
Based on the updated Kingshurst Masterplan, this application lays out some the key features and detail of the final development.
The application will now be subject to a 13-week determination period, meaning that a decision is expected to be made by the end February 2022.
You can view the Full Planning Application and associated planning documents on the Council’s online planning portal, using the following reference: PL/2021/03072/MAJFDW
Read more here.
Kingshurst update – 29 October 2021
Latest round of funding secured
Great news! We learnt on Wednesday, as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review, that we have successfully secured the latest tranche of funding for the transformational regeneration of Kinghurst Village Centre.
An additional £1.81m of Estates Regeneration Funding has now been allocated to the project from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
As we prepare to submit a full planning application for the scheme in the coming days, this vital funding will be used to complete acquisitions of land and property and support some demolition and infrastructure works to enable the redevelopment.
We will continue working with partners and external funders to identify and access additional funding streams as required but this latest round of funds has provided a major boost to the project.
Kingshurst Post Office reopens
In another piece of positive news, the Kingshurst Post Office marked its official reopening this morning.
Browns Pharmacy, has taken over operating the Post Office, reopening the branch from its previous location (12-14 The Parade). This means that all of the services previously available at the Post Office are back in place, including bill payment, cash withdrawals, foreign currency, postage, home shopping collections and returns. It also means that customers of main UK banks can access accounts at the new branch.
Kingshurst Post Office was temporarily closed in August 2020, when the McColl’s store closed. The Pharmacy, currently operating from across the road, will be moving into the same premises as the Post Office soon. This means that both these critical services will remain in place during the construction of the development.
Attending the reopening earlier today Cllr Courts, Leader of the Council said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Post Office reopening in Kingshurst and the return of the vital community services it provides.
“The wholesale regeneration of Kingshurst is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver transformative change, creating a high quality, community focussed new centre for its residents. As far as possible, we want to limit disruption to people’s everyday lives throughout the construction and ensure that there is continuation of key local services. That’s why I’m thrilled that a solution has been found which will allow essential post office services to return and I would like to thank all those involved in making this happen.”
Initially Kingshurst Post Office will be open Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm. When Browns Pharmacy is ready to trade from the same premises then the Post Office will also be open on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm.
Kingshurst update – 14 October 2021
Thanks for all your feedback
Thank you to everyone who came along to our drop-in sessions on The Parade last month and to all of you who completed the accompanying consultation survey which closed on Sunday night.
Over the last few weeks we’ve had dozens individual face to face conversations and received over 80 detailed responses to our survey from local residents and business owners.
This feedback has been really useful and will help inform the next stage of the planning and design. While the fundamental layout and composition of land use is unlikely to change significantly your feedback will help us to refine the design before submitting the full planning application at the end of October. This will mark a major milestone for this project and the delivery of a new Kingshurst Village Centre.
There is still a huge amount of detail to be confirmed at later stages of the scheme and this will of course entail further consultation and even more opportunities to have your say.
We will update you again when the planning application has been submitted later this month. Once uploaded, you will be able to view all of the planning documents as well as make your own submissions using the council’s online planning portal.
Kingshurst update – 6 October 2021
Don’t forget to have your say
There’s still time to share your thoughts and tell us what you think about the updated Kingshurst masterplan.
If you haven’t already, make sure you take a look and leave your feedback by completing our Consultation Survey (closes Sunday 10 October).
You can find out more by visiting: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/KingshurstRegeneration or drop into Kingshurst Library where the masterplan is still on display.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kingshurst update – 22 September 2021
What do you think about the updated Kingshurst masterplan?
We will be back on The Parade again tomorrow to showcase the latest proposals, answer any questions and gather your thoughts and comments.
Join us between 11:30am and 2:30pm tomorrow (23 September) to find out more and have your say.
If you can’t make it along tomorrow don’t worry, you can still view the masterplan and share your feedback by visiting http://www.solihull.gov.uk/KingshurstRegeneration or by collecting a consultation survey from the library.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kingshurst update – 21 September 2021
We are excited to share the updated Kingshurst Masterplan with you.
Since Outline Planning Permission was granted in December 2020, work has continued to develop the detailed design for Kingshurst Village Centre. Comments and feedback from earlier community consultation on the previous masterplan have been used to help inform and refine this updated version.
We now want to gather your thoughts and feedback before submitting a full planning application.
The updated masterplan makes provision for:
- 79 sustainable homes (the majority being social rented through Solihull Community Housing) all built to Lifetime Homes standards
- New vicarage for St Barnabas Church
- 2,001 m2 health uses and community space, including a community café, GP, dentist and pharmacy; a Community Wellness Hub
- 1,207 m2 providing modern, flexible space for a range of retail and high street uses
- High quality public realm and enhanced links to Kingshurst Park and Kingshurst Primary School
- 75 car parking spaces to support the new local centre, community space and the Church
- New internal road layout linking Over Green Drive and Colling Walk
- Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) and landscaping throughout
You can view the masterplan now and share your feedback by visiting solihull.gov.uk/kingshurstregeneration or by coming along to one of our public drop-by events taking place this week. Project officers will be discussing the masterplan, answering questions and gathering your views. Come and find us on the Parade:
- Tuesday 21st September from 3pm to 6:30pm
- Thursday 23rd September from 11:30am to 2:30pm
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kingshurst update – 17 September 2021
Masterplan Consultation
Since Outline Planning Permission was granted in December last year, work has continued to develop plans for the new Kingshurst Village Centre. Ongoing consultation with key stakeholders, including health sector and community partners, has been taking place and the masterplan has evolved to reflect these requirements. Community responses to consultation on the previous masterplan have also been considered and used to inform the latest plans.
Based on all of this work we are nearly ready to share the updated masterplan with you, which will form the basis of a full planning application. As part of our upcoming community consultation we will be asking you to share your thoughts and feedback on the updated masterplan and would like to invite you to come and meet the project team at one of our drop-by sessions taking place in the Parade next week:
- Tuesday 21st September from 3pm to 6:30pm
- Thursday 23rd September from 11:30am to 2:30pm
If you can’t make it along to either event don’t worry. An accompanying feedback survey will be available from Monday 20 September.
We look forward to sharing the updated plans and images of the scheme, which should start to give more of a feel for how the village centre may look when complete.
Your feedback will help us to refine the design before submitting the full planning application at the end of October. This will confirm the detail of the development and, if granted, allow us to move forward to the next stage of the redevelopment.
Local shops and services
It has been clear since the earliest community consultation that delivering the ambitious level of transformation most people want to see in Kingshurst, will have to involve the complete demolition and redevelopment of the Parade.
To try and limit disruption, as far as possible, we have committed to a phased approach to the redevelopment, allowing essential and high priority services to continue operating around the Parade throughout the demolition and construction works.
As the first stage of this the pharmacy and the optician will be vacating their current units and temporarily moving into the former Martin’s newsagent store and the former Dolly’s Diner until the new community and health centre has been constructed.
Unfortunately, physical space constraints mean it is not possible to find temporary units on site for every business currently operating on the Parade. However, our business investment team have been working with local businesses who may have been impacted to try and help identify a range of alternative options depending on their need.
The good news is that the post office has now confirmed that services will be able to resume from the Brown’s Pharmacy once it reopens in its temporary location.
Once complete the new village centre will host a brand new GP surgery, pharmacy, dentist, community space and café alongside a number of high-quality retail units.
Kingshurst update – 16 July 2021
Funding Approved!
Plans for Kingshurst got another boost with Cabinet approving the release of additional Council funds to continue with the development plans.
Kingshurst update – 12 July 2021
Plans for the redevelopment are continuing to move quickly as the project progresses to the detailed design stage and the development of a final masterplan.
We will soon be able to formally consult with all residents and stakeholders on the latest proposals. Once this work is completed, we will let you know how you can view the final Masterplan, including an illustrative 3D model of the scheme, and share your views.
We are developing a full business case to make sure we have all the relevant funding in place to start work as soon as possible. A proposal will be taken to Cabinet next week which seeks to unlock additional funding to complete this work. We will of course update you on the outcome of this.
In the meantime, you may have seen site investigation work is already well underway. We recently commissioned contractors to carry out a drainage survey and have appointed new partners to work up proposals for a landscaping scheme. A Principle Designer has now also been formally appointed, and we have a BREEAM assessor on-board, who will work with us to ensure that any final designs will reflect the highest standards of sustainability.
As plans are starting to take shape it’s more important than ever that local residents, business owners and members of the Kingshurst community feel informed about what’s going on and get the opportunity to have their say.
To make sure engagement continues to take place we have a dedicated Kingshurst Community Engagement Officer, Becki, who will be working with the Kingshurst community.
Learn more about Becki, by visiting Meet Becki, our Community Engagement Officer.
Kingshurst update – 12 March 2021
Scheme moves to CPO phase
In December we updated you on the most recent report taken to Cabinet which sought approval to move to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) stage of the Kingshurst Village Centre, regeneration scheme.
Following Cabinet approval, CPO Notices have now been issued which will allow the Council to take control of the 38 outstanding plots of land and associated property interests that are required to enable development to take place, subject to any objections being received. This will make sure the complete redevelopment of Kingshurst can be delivered.
The Order itself along with a range of supporting documents including the Order map, a list of affected property addresses (the Schedule) and the Council’s Statement of Reasons can be found on the Councils website. https://www.solihull.gov.uk/About-the-Council/Notices
Please note that all landowners, occupiers and tenants directly affected by this order should have now received written notice, either by post or hand delivered by our land referencing agents, LRS.
We would like to reassure Council tenants living within the scheme’s redevelopment area that it is not currently expected that construction works will begin before Summer 2022. All Council tenants will be contacted over the coming months to discuss options for moving home.
If you have any concerns please email the Tenancy Sustainment Team at KHregen@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk or call the contact centre on 0121 717 1528.
Kingshurst update – 1 December 2020
After lots of hard work, the ambitious plans for the wholesale transformation of Kingshurst Village Centre cleared a major hurdle in September with the approval of an Outline Planning Application.
Local residents and business owners have been integral in helping us progress the scheme to this point and we wanted to thank the community again for helping us get it right.
A report will be going to Cabinet later this week informing councillors of the progress so far. We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on what the next phase of the scheme will mean for those living and working in Kingshurst and what will happen next.
Cabinet Report
Thursday’s Cabinet Report will update elected members on the progress made so far and asks them to formally approve the move into the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) stage.
Kingshurst is a complex site with property held by a range of different land owners. Over a year ago, the Council was awarded the necessary funding to start acquiring properties within the village centre in order to redevelop the whole site. This has been one of the biggest barriers to development of Kingshurst in the past, and it is one of the reasons it has taken longer to progress this scheme than other similar projects in the borough.
Good progress has been made acquiring the properties through the usual negotiations and we thank everyone who has been involved in this process to date. We would also like to thank people for sending back responses to the recent requests for information, which has helped us to understand if there are any other people who have legitimate interests in land or property within the scheme’s red line; there will be one further request for information letter coming soon.
Up until now we have not had to use our Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers but using these powers will allow us to draw a line under this phase and finally take control of the entire site to ensure the wholescale redevelopment of Kingshurst can be delivered.
What does this mean for residents within the red line?
Residents living within the scheme’s red line who haven’t been directly contacted about moving yet have no need to worry. The timetable for work to begin is still being reviewed but the dates that we are currently working to are Summer 2022 for commencing construction works. There will be some earlier demolition works but this will not affect residents who currently live in the parade.
We have set up a project team who will be able to offer advice and support about moving when the time comes. They will be contacting residents individually in the new year to explain the process further and set out how we are going to work with those affected to find alternative accommodation. In the meantime if you do have any concerns you can contact the Tenancy Sustainment Team on 0121 717 1528 or by email on schwelfarereform@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk and a member of the team will be happy to speak to you.
What will happen to shops and services?
We will take a phased approach to the redevelopment. This will allow us to ensure that essential and high priority services are able to continue operating around the parade throughout the demolition and construction works. Early conversations with the businesses and services affected have already begun as to how this can be achieved. We are working hard to make sure that key services you need are able to continue through the first phases of construction. This will require some businesses moving temporarily to other parts of the parade. We are also supporting work looking at how we can bring a post office service back into Kingshurst and will keep you updated on our progress.
What next?
Now that we have an Outline Planning Application approved we are going into the detailed design phase of the masterplan. This means there will be more opportunity for you to get involved and offer your thoughts about the village centre. We will be using all comments made to date to inform the detailed design before we submit the next element of Planning (Reserved Matters).
Illustrative layout of the scheme prepared by Solihull Council, Building Design Studio