Our vision
Holbeche Place is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Solihull town centre for the future. Bringing together new homes, public spaces, shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure uses, the masterplan will create a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of the town. Our proposals for Phase 1 and Phase 2 are the first step in delivering Holbeche Place.
Demolition works are expected to begin in Autumn 2026, ahead of construction starting in 2027. We’ll also begin engaging with the community on our vision for Phase 3, which includes Mell Square and Drury Gardens, in 2027.
This is a landmark moment for Solihull. We have a successful town centre, attracting visitors from across the region, but we recognise that – to stay successful – we must develop and change.”
Leader, Solihull Council
Phase 1: The new gateway into Solihull
Phase 1 will lay the foundations for Holbeche Place, delivering 346 build-to-rent homes, alongside well-designed outdoor spaces that support everyday living. Planning Permission for Phase 1 was granted in March 2026, with demolition expected to commence in Q3/Q4 2026.
The first phase will create a welcoming gateway into the town centre, replacing a former under-utilised car park with active green streets and clear, well-connected routes. It will redefine how this part of the town centre is experienced, strengthening links to the High Street from the North and clearly signposting visitors to the wider town, existing shops and public spaces.
Independent shops, food and drink
New flexible spaces could accommodate a mix of independent retailers, cafés, bars or restaurants which would strengthen Solihull’s offer and help support a more resilient, experience-led high street.
These will complement Solihull’s existing balance of businesses, help create a stronger evening economy and a more animated town centre.
Muse and Solihull Council will continue to work with existing businesses to secure and enhance their future operations, ensuring an exciting mix of new retail opportunities.
Phase 2: High-quality, affordable town-centre living
Phase 2 will introduce HABIKO to Holbeche Place and Solihull, delivering 228 new affordable homes for rent on the site of a former, vacant town centre department building. The planning application for Phase 2 was submitted earlier this year, with construction expected to commence in 2027 subject to planning approval.
HABIKO is a partnership between Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), Muse and Homes England, created to deliver low-carbon, energy-efficient affordable homes in areas of high demand. At Holbeche Place, HABIKO will support a balanced housing offer, supporting a stable and sustainable neighbourhood over the long term.
Affordable homes for rent
All homes delivered by HABIKO will be affordable, with rents set at least 20% below local market rates, helping people access high-quality homes in the town centre. This will ensure Holbeche Place is a balanced and inclusive community, with opportunities for all.
Habiko homes are designed to be low-energy and low-carbon, helping residents reduce energy use and lower household bills. Phase 2 has been developed on the basis of HABIKO’s sustainability strategy, this sets minimum standards that are above industry benchmarks. These standards ensure that the homes HABIKO build are future proofed against climate change, that they are efficient to live in, and that they co-exist with the natural environment.
Designed for modern living
Phase 2 will deliver 228 well-designed, affordable homes with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, that will support a growing town centre community.
Designed by Howells Architects and inspired by late-Victorian mansion blocks, the mid-rise building will feature red brick, bay windows, balconies, and a green resident’s courtyard, creating homes with character while maximising natural light and day to day amenity.