Solihull Traders Welcome Mell Square Regeneration But Voice Concerns
Local traders in Solihull town centre have expressed mixed feelings about the ambitious multi-million pound plans to transform Mell Square shopping centre. While many welcome the potential benefits of increased footfall and economic revitalization, significant concerns remain about what the massive regeneration scheme means for their businesses.
Planning Approval Opens Door to Major Transformation
Solihull planners have granted full planning permission for phase one of the scheme, with outline planning permission approved for subsequent phases. This decision paves the way for a comprehensive mixed-use development that will include retail spaces, leisure facilities, public areas, and more than 1,000 new homes to be delivered over the next decade and beyond.
The regeneration project represents one of the most significant urban development initiatives in Solihull's recent history, aiming to completely reshape the town centre's landscape and functionality.
Traders Express Cautious Optimism
Michael, co-owner of Liv's in Mill Lane, offered a perspective shared by many local business owners. "We have been here for 12 years, we are a destination shop," he explained. "They are turning Solihull into Birmingham. If we get footfall from it, that's a good thing. Getting rid of Mell Square Car Park though – that is where our customers park."
This sentiment captures the delicate balance between welcoming potential economic benefits while worrying about practical impacts on existing customer behavior and accessibility.
Uncertainty Amid Changing Retail Landscape
Meg, who has operated Nice Stitches in Poplar Way for six years, highlighted the challenging retail environment that makes regeneration both necessary and uncertain. "A lot of shops have closed. Everything is online now. I'm not surprised they are doing something with Mell Square. I'm not sure what it means for us – I don't know what to think," she admitted.
Craig from The Leather Company in Poplar Way acknowledged the potential benefits while recognizing the project's uncertain timeline. "It could be years away, or they could surprise you – it would be a good thing for Solihull," he commented, noting that Christmas trading had been positive despite the typically slower post-holiday period.
Mixed Reactions to Development Details
At the planning committee meeting where the plans received approval, some critics voiced concerns about the project's scale and impact. Opponents argued that the development would fundamentally change Solihull's character with 15-storey apartment buildings and eliminate vital car parking spaces that many businesses depend on for customer access.
Laura, assistant manager at Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists in Mell Square, expressed hope for the regeneration while acknowledging current challenges. "We don't know too much," she said. "It would be great if it is done because this is a dead end. It would be good for pubs and restaurants to have people live locally, and be good for us when they have children."
She also noted that the cost of living crisis has significantly affected business during what is traditionally their quietest period of the year.
Political Support for Bold Vision
Councillor Dave Pinwell, speaking at the committee meeting, drew historical parallels to justify the ambitious redevelopment. "Our predecessors were courageous in the face of some bitter opposition in sweeping away the cottages of Drury Lane and other streets to create Mell Square," he stated. "I believe we have to follow in the footsteps of our predecessors and have the courage to go ahead with a redevelopment."
The planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans during their February 6 meeting, demonstrating strong political support for the transformation despite the concerns raised by some community members and business owners.
The Mell Square regeneration scheme now moves forward as one of the most significant urban development projects in Solihull's recent history, promising to reshape the town centre while generating both optimism and apprehension among those who currently call it home.
