Muse has signed a development agreement with Solihull Council to regenerate an iconic shopping hub as part of a wider Solihull Town Centre Masterplan.
The national placemaker will transform Mell Square with mixed uses including improved retail offer, new public spaces, leisure facilities, and homes.
The council took ownership of Mell Square in April 2021 to deliver its Town Centre Masterplan.
The first phase will focus on the redevelopment of the vacant House of Fraser building, which the council said is “unlikely to directly impact” any nearby businesses.
After Muse was chosen as preferred development partner in late 2023, several public engagements took place during this year to gather input from residents and businesses on site’s future.
The latest round of engagement is currently underway as part of the pre-planning process, for locals to share their views on what the development could look like.
The feedback will help inform the planning application which will be submitted next year.
In the interim, Muse will implement short-term activities such as pop-up themed markets and educational workshops as part of a strategy to maintain the Mell Square visitor experience.
The first phase is expected to get underway in Autumn 2025.
Maggie Grogan, Midlands managing director at Muse, said: “The regeneration of Mell Square is a unique opportunity to respond to the changing demands on Solihull town centre. ”
“Our vision could deliver a bold mixed-use neighbourhood with new evening and night-time uses, alongside new homes and public spaces.”
“Having a Development Agreement in place enables us to build on the important work we have already done to develop our approach.”
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “This Development Agreement means that we are entering a crucial phase of the regeneration.
With Muse’s expertise as a nationwide developer, I am confident that we can reinvigorate Mell Square to enhance Solihull town centre’s existing retail offer, visitor attractions and diversify the night-time economy.”
“I’m really pleased to see a strong focus on new housing as part of Muses’ proposals.
“It’s so important that we can provide a range of properties for our residents, from starter homes onwards.
“Bringing more people into our town centre can only be a boost to our local businesses and the wider economy.”
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