Meriden and Solihull East MP praises the progress at which the Kingshurst regeneration project has made over the last 24 months.
Saqib Bhatti MBE MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden and Solihull East, recently visited the Kingshurst Village Centre regeneration site and highlighted the major strides being made on one of the region’s most ambitious community redevelopment projects. Mr Bhatti was joined on the visit by the Leader of Solihull Borough Council, Cllr Karen Grinsell.
Reflecting on the project’s journey, Mr Bhatti noted that one of his earliest priorities after becoming the Conservative candidate for Meriden in 2019 was to meet with the then Mayor of the West Midlands, Sir Andy Street, to discuss how to secure essential investment for Kingshurst. The project has so far received over £17.1 million in funding, with £7.7 million having been spent on Phase 1 and £9.425 million on Phase 2, secured by the Conservative run Council, which Mr Bhatti supported.
The first phase of the scheme 25 net-zero social rented homes has already been completed, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the area. The wider regeneration will be delivered in stages, allowing partners to maximise funding opportunities and ensure the creation of a long-lasting, community-focused centre.
The next phase of the scheme is currently under consultation with key stakeholders, and the masterplan has been updated to incorporate essential design, community, and service requirements.
Once complete, the new Kingshurst Village Centre will deliver a transformative mix of sustainable housing, modern amenities, and community focused facilities. Based on the masterplan and approved planning application, the scheme will include:-
* A new vicarage for St Barnabas Church
* A community, health and wellbeing hub, providing GP services, a pharmacy, dentist, library service and a community café
* 1500 squared meters of modern retail space, including an anchor convenience store and an opticians
* High-quality public realm, with improved connections to Kingshurst Park and Kingshurst Primary School
* Car parking to support the village centre, community facilities, and the Church
Widely described as a “trailblazing project” with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community infrastructure, the Kingshurst redevelopment is increasingly being seen as a model for future regeneration schemes across the region.
Mr Bhatti has been a consistent and vocal supporter and campaigner for the project, championing its importance for residents. He provided backing for the initial funding bid, supported Solihull Council in their submission for the site and has raised the project in the House of Commons. Working closely with Sir Andy Street, he has helped secure the political and strategic support needed to advance this ambitious programme.
Commenting, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP said: “From the moment I was selected as the Conservative Candidate for Meriden in 2019, I began lobbying for the vital funding needed to breathe new life into this community. I’m proud to say that our work paid off and this project is now well on its way to transforming Kingshurst for generations to come. The regeneration of Kingshurst is about much more than new buildings; it’s about restoring pride, opportunity and a real sense of community. I’ll continue to back this project every step of the way as it moves towards completion in 2026. This project is shaping a thriving place for families to live, work and grow. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved for their commitment to Kingshurst’s future. It is now vital that we now complete phase 2 of this project."
Cllr Karen Grinsell added: “Following my recent visit to Kingshurst with Saqib Bhatti MP and then a local residents drop-in session with Solihull Council, I am pleased to see the latest park improvements underway following the successful completion of 25 award winning, energy efficient homes on the former Mountford Pub site. We’ve been making steady headway with the next phase of the project, and are finalising funding plans for Phase 2, which will include new retail and health spaces for the community, six homes, a vicarage and all the infrastructure needed to support them. Our plans are ambitious and we’re pushing on so we can deliver the transformation that Kingshurst residents deserve in their community, Saqib and I will keep working together to make sure that happens.’’
