The six-week public consultation ends on 24 July and residents, businesses and visitors are reminded they can still state their views on key design principles for future developments which seek to provide continuity across the public spaces, streets and greenspaces within the town centre.
The term ‘public realm’ refers to the space in around and between buildings that is publicly accessible including streets, squares, parks and open spaces. These important areas often act as key settings for public life and social interaction. Whether it’s a high street, or an urban park, the qualities of the public realm are integral to its use and help create the unique character, attractiveness and general feel of place.
The phase one design concept focuses on Solihull High Street, New Road and the access to Malvern Park via Park Road, which is a key route through the heart of the town centre.
The consultation material, which includes a 3D virtual flythrough video showing what the phase one design concept might look like and accompanying survey, can be found on the Council’s website at: www.solihull.gov.uk/publicrealmstrategy
Proposals can also be viewed in person by visiting the Core Library, where the consultation material will be left on display, or by attending one of the planned exhibition events in the town centre. The project team will be hosting two events, on High Street on Wednesday 21 June and again on Saturday 1 July from 11am to 2pm where residents can ask questions about the redevelopment plans and share their views.
This is about ensuring we maintain the quality of our town centre High Street, making sure it helps to keep Solihull town centre as one of the best performing town centres in the UK.
We really want to hear what you think so I would encourage all local residents, visitors and people working in the town centre to get involved and share their views. Feedback will be crucial in helping to shape the future of Solihull’s public realm.
Residents can sign up to the Council’s new ‘Solihull Town Centre Public Realm Strategy’ Stay Connected bulletin to receive updates on the project.
There is nothing in the plan that stops two-way traffic from Warwick Road to Church Hill Road. The creating of the new ‘Church Square’ will not stop two way traffic but will help it serve as a focal point and be used to host community and ceremonial events. The Royal British Legion are working with us and support aims to make the War Memorial more of a part of the town centre fabric.
It is important to note that the footfall between the High Street, Malvern Park and Solihull Sixth Form College is every growing and we would like residents to comment on ways to improve access and create safer pedestrian routes.
The concept design looks at how the pedestrianised core of the town centre might be extended with the creation of an attractive new town square opposite the Grade 1 Listed St Alphege Church. The newly proposed ‘Church Square’ could
Ken Hawkins 