Second drop-in session on Kingshurst scheme

THIS is the latest glimpse of what the centre of Kingshurst could look like following a multi-million pound redevelopment.
Plans to pull down the ageing Parade have been in the pipeline for years but have suffered repeated delays.
Residents - impatient to see the run-down shopping precinct replaced - have criticised the lack of progress, which has also caused uncertainty for both business owners and residents.
Senior councillors have argued the project has been drawn out by issues acquiring land and that real progress had been made in the past few months.
There has been little news since 2017, but - as we reported last month - a draft planning brief has finally been produced.
The document looks at the current condition of the site and sets out ambitions for a redevelopment, which it describes as a "once-in-generation opportunity."
Its authors also admit that the current Parade, which was built in the 1960s, is in an increasingly poor state.
Common complaints include the outdated appearance, an increasing number of empty units and anti-social behaviour at the site.
Now a consultation has been launched to seek local opinions on the regeneration scheme, which is set to include a flagship retail store, several smaller units, a community space, GP surgery/pharmacy and around 100 homes.
Coun Ian Courts, cabinet member for managed growth, said: "This is an important opportunity to build on the success of our other regeneration schemes in the north of the borough and to ensure that Kingshurst becomes a sustainable, well integrated community.
"We think the draft planning brief proposals will help deliver on this ambition.
"However, we want to hear from local residents, and we hope they will get involved with our engagement process."
The second of two drop-in sessions will be taking place at Kingshurst Library next Thursday (March 7), between 4-8pm.
You can also find the planning brief on the council's website.

Timeline:
2009: Kingshurst Primary School opens its doors. There are local hopes that work on the Parade might not be too far off.
2014: News that Solihull Council is preparing new plans for Kingshurst following the acquisition of the Mountfort pub.
2015: Official opening of the Enterprise Centre, at Chelmund's Cross. Activity at the nearby site adds to local tensions about Kingshurst
2017: A public consultation shows overwhelming support for a wholesale demolition of the current Parade and a new precinct being built. This option is also endorsed by councillors.
Anger about the state of the shopping area is one of several issues raised at a heated public meeting over the summer.
2019: Draft planning brief published and fresh consultation launched. Public responses will be considered by the cabinet in June.