Solihull Town Centre's major public realm improvement project needs more money to move forward. A new outline business case has been submitted to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) requesting an additional £148,000 to continue the scheme, which aims to modernise streets and link with other regeneration projects in the borough.
The Solihull Town Centre Public Realm Improvement Scheme focuses on upgrading pedestrian pathways, squares and green spaces to enhance visitor experience, connect transport hubs, retail areas and parks, and tie in with major developments like Mell Square.
Funding history and delays
Originally approved in 2019 with a £575,000 budget and a completion date of 2022, the project has faced multiple setbacks. The deadline was extended to March 2025, but further issues have led to an amended outline business case (OBC) being submitted in July 2026.
According to a report to the WMCA Investment Board, the scheme aims to improve accessibility, sustainability and the quality of public spaces in Solihull Town Centre, including High Street, Church Square and surrounding areas. The funding supported development of a Strategic Outline Case, with two key outputs: a Public Realm Framework document and an OBC. The framework was completed in September 2025.
Financial details and revised approach
The approved allocation is £575,000, of which £568,533 has already been claimed. The draft OBC, submitted in March 2025, seeks additional Investment Programme funding of £148,879 through available underspend. This has been updated following review.
A WMCA spokesperson said: "The project was originally commissioned in 2019 with the intention of delivering a single large-scale public realm improvement scheme across Solihull Town Centre. However, changes to the funding landscape since that time mean that a more streamlined and phased approach is now required, with elements of public realm improvement delivered through separate funding opportunities or as part of wider projects."
Next steps
The OBC is being amended to reflect this revised approach and to identify a mechanism for approval to draw down the remaining £148,879 when an appropriate match funding opportunity is confirmed. The OBC remains under review and will require Investment Board approval before the revised delivery position can proceed.
The Investment Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, where the funding request will be considered. If approved, the project will continue with a phased delivery model, potentially impacting the timeline for improvements to Solihull Town Centre.
