Saqib campaigned alongside the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for the re-development of Kingshurst Village Centre to be funded through the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund. Following a successful campaign, SMBC has been awarded £1,050,000 to fund the project, adding to the £1.81m that was awarded to them in 2021, which will completely transform the now derelict 1950s shopping precinct into a hub for the community. Currently, the complex is in very poor condition, suffering daily from anti-social behaviour, spiralling maintenance costs and significant urban blight.
The redevelopment plan involves building 79 new family homes built to net zero carbon standards, of which 78 will be affordable homes, a new commercial accommodation providing modern, flexible spaces for a range of retail, café and other high street uses and, a new integrated health, social care and community hub providing community health services, including a GP, dentist, pharmacy, and optician. The plans will hopefully transform this area into a thriving hub for the community.
Commenting on the news, Saqib said:
“It is my hope that this project will spur on economic regeneration in Kingshurst and improve the quality of life and economic outcomes for my constituents in the North of Solihull.”
“I am thrilled that SMBC’s and my campaigning has led to an award of £1,050,000 as part of the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund. There is a great need for regeneration in Kingshusrt and it is clear that the Government acknowledges this and supports our efforts to redevelop this area.
