Major Solihull Car Park to Close as Town Centre Transformation Begins
A significant multi-storey car park in Solihull is set to close permanently within days, marking the start of a substantial town centre redevelopment project that will introduce new homes, retail spaces, and public areas.
Final Closure Date and Development Details
The Mell Square Car Park, located off Warwick Road, will shut for the final time on Tuesday, March 31. This closure initiates the first phase of the Holbeche Place redevelopment, previously known as the Mell Square Masterplan. Last month, Solihull Borough Council approved plans by developer Muse Places Limited to transform the site into a mixed-use community featuring 1,600 homes, retail units, and enhanced public spaces.
Solihull Council purchased Mell Square in 2021, describing it as a thriving shopping hub in the heart of Solihull town centre. The council aims to revitalize the area by attracting new restaurants, bars, and retailers to diversify the night-time economy and complement existing offerings.
Phase One Construction and Additional Closures
The initial phase of the Holbeche Place development will include the construction of 346 new homes across four residential blocks. These will be accompanied by complementary retail offerings, private residential amenity spaces, car parking facilities, and landscaping. The closure of the car park and neighboring toilets is necessary to decommission services and equipment before demolition work commences in June.
In addition to the car park closure, the Esso MFG petrol station on Warwick Road will also shut later in 2026 as part of the redevelopment efforts.
Alternative Parking and Accessibility Measures
With the Mell Square multi-storey closure, drivers visiting Solihull town centre are being directed to alternative council car parks at Poplar Road, Lode Lane Pay & Display, and Dominion Court on Herbert Road. To ensure accessibility, Solihull Council has committed to creating 33 additional disabled parking bays within the Poplar Road and Lode Lane car parks, bringing the total to 62 bays, which represents six percent of the total parking capacity.
Blue badge holders can park free of charge all day in any council car park bay, not just designated disabled bays, and in any standard on-street Pay & Display bay, though on-street disabled bays remain subject to a three-hour limit. Other options include the John Lewis multi-storey and the Touchwood car park off Homer Road.
Alternative Facilities and Public Conveniences
Following the closure of the Mell Square toilets, alternative public facilities are available at The Core and Touchwood Shopping Centre. These include accessible toilets, baby change areas, and Changing Places facilities to accommodate all visitors.
Solihull Council emphasizes its dedication to maintaining an inclusive and accessible town centre throughout the redevelopment process, ensuring that the community benefits from enhanced amenities and improved public spaces.
