SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 46
which can deliver multiple benefits including greater promotion of walking and cycling,
enhanced vitality and development of an area’s unique identity.
116.
In order to strengthen the role of the centre and enhance its appearance, it is important to
make appropriate planned provision for development needs over the period of the Local
Plan, building on opportunities to improve access, the public realm and the range and quality
of services that it offers so that it will be sustained as a place of quality and distinction.
Residential - The introduction of new residential uses in the heart of the town centre
will support existing commercial and leisure uses, whilst also providing additional
activity and vibrancy outside normal shopping and working hours.
Retail – In order to maintain the current success of the High Street, there is a need to
keep the retail circuit contained, and therefore an opportunity site should only be
developed as retail, leisure, food and beverage if the site has a quality that can
present something unique to the town centre and relates well to the circuit. Primary
retail frontages where retailing activity will be expected to be the main street level use
are largely in line with the current extent of the town centre:
High Street No’s 1-161 and 12-134
Poplar Way, Mill Lane and Drury Lane 10-58 and 5-45
Warwick Road No 700
Mell Square and Touchwood.
Office – Opportunity sites have been identified which intensify the provision of office
accommodation around Homer Road and Princes Way, which have excellent access to
the town centre amenities and the train station, such accessibility being increasingly
important to corporate occupiers.
Evening Economy – in order to complement and support the residential and office offer,
and to ensure active usage of the town centre across the day and night, the uses that
support the evening economy should be sought in particularly in the Heart of Solihull
area. Uses such as arts, culture, independent cinema, pop up events, live music, and
competitive socialising (such as bowling, escape rooms, crazy golf) should be
accommodated, and where appropriate these can also assist attracting visitors to the
town during the day.
117.
In 2016 SMBC commissioned the development of a Town Centre Masterplan which would
provide a blueprint for future investment and development which maximises the opportunities
for Solihull Town Centre, and capitalises on its existing assets and sets out a clear vision for
Solihull as ‘a thriving, premier town centre and a vibrant destination at the forefront of
visionary design, sustainability and innovation.
118.
The masterplan has been informed by the findings and proposals of a number of previous
and concurrently run studies.
119.
The evidence base that supports the masterplan has been informed by discussions and
engagement with a wide range of town centre stakeholders through one on one, and group
workshop sessions. The proposals of the draft masterplan were presented for public
consultation during August and September 2016, and the responses helped inform the
development of the final preferred masterplan.
120.
The masterplan is in the process of being updated and is expected to be published by the
end of the year. The update is intended to reflect a number of things: changes to proposed
or actual development on a number of sites including the former Magistrates Court,
Monkspath Hall Road, Touchwood II and Eastgate;, the location of the train station; progress
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