Kingshurst Parade concept is finally unveiled

THIS is the first glimpse of what the drastically redeveloped Kingshurst Parade could look like.
The draft masterplan for North Solihull's latest "village centre" was formally unveiled earlier this afternoon.
Solihull Council has urged the public to have their say on the multi-million pound proposals, which will see the existing precinct demolished and replaced with a new development, set to include houses, shops and community facilities.
There is a lot riding on the scheme, which was originally due to be built several years ago but has been hit by various delays, much to the frustration of local residents.
At the most recent Full Council meeting, Leader of Solihull Council, Coun Bob Sleigh, said that the local authority had decided to replace the Parade altogether because this had more support than the option for a more limited refurbishment.
He said: “I think [this] fulfils the commitment that has been made...by this authority to do what we can in North Solihull, as we have already done in Chelmund’s Cross and in North Arran Way, to update the facilities for people in the borough.
“It is something that I think this administration and previous Conservative administrations should be proud of delivering.”
However, Solihull Green Party continue to push the Tory-run authority on the issue of support for
existing tenants.
Coun Sleigh said he had been advised that some of the dwellings on the development site would be social housing, although a precise number has not been provided at this stage. It is expected that further pressure will be placed on the administration to provide further details when the next meeting is held in October.
The draft plans also include space for a dentist/medical centre, a OneStop shop and around a dozen other retail units - including an unnamed "anchor" store.
Locals will be able to discuss the plans at a couple of drop-in sessions, to be held at Kingshurst Library on September 7 (2-6pm) and September 15 (2-5pm).
Further information about the consultation is also available on the council website.