Saqib Bhatti MP and David Cole monitor progress in Kingshurst Village Centre
David Cole reports on the progress of this exciting development for our community.
As a resident of Kingshurst, I’m always out and about in the area and many people take the opportunity to ask me for an update on what is happening with the development of Kingshurst Parade.
I have contacted Solihull Council Officers for updates on the plans and progress on what’s happening. The North side of the parade is now fenced off ready for the next stage. The Council’s contractors are now decommissioning the flats and shops, so that means the electric, gas and water services will all be disconnected. There will also be the removal of internal radiators, boilers, UPVC windows and other internal hardware.
By the end of March demolition will have commenced. We will see the whole of the North end of the Parade removed along with the houses on Colin Croft and those designated for demolition on Church Close together with the old housing hub. The project team are developing the next stage with the Council’s contractors Wilmott Dixon who will carry out the work in phases, which is currently all on schedule.
Many residents have also asked me about the funding of the project. Recent news reports confirmed the Council had not been successful in its bid for Levelling Up Funding, however I’ve been reassured that other bids are in progress for future funding for the development. Solihull Council have already received contributions from The West Midlands Combined Authority and from the Government’s Regeneration Fund, to add to its own resources to support
the project.The redevelopment of the parade in Kingshurst Village Centre was always going to be a complicated development as it included the rehousing of residents who live in and around the parade and I wish them all the best for the future. One of the aims of the project was to relocate some essential shops and services in the development, the Co-op, Opticians and Pharmacy were all relocated. Our MP Saqib Bhatti and myself worked to get the Post Office returned to Kingshurst Parade and is now sited in Browns Pharmacy. By the time you receive this letter the hairdresser will also have been relocated to the old youth centre.
I hope this update is helpful to you. I’ll continue to keep you informed as new information is made available. In the meantime, if you need my help with any local issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me by email: [email protected] or by calling 0121 711 2955.
