Knowle place: Everything to know about Solihull shopping centre set for expansion

St John’s Way, a shopping centre in Knowle, Solihull, will be redeveloped by Mercia Real Estate
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A shopping centre in Solihull will be injected with new life after a real estate company received consent for its refurbishment and redevelopment.

St. John’s Way, a shopping centre in Knowle built decades ago, will be redeveloped by Mercia Real Estate. Knowle is home to Baker’s Lane - one of the most expensive streets in the West Midlands.

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Mercia Real Estate said in a statement: “The major development project will completely transform the former shopping precinct into a more vibrant and exciting place to live, shop and meet.”

The majority of the shopping scheme was built in the 1960s and comprises of an open shopping centre with central pedestrian walkway. The overall site extends to 1.51 acres.

The retail offering is anchored by Tesco who have expanded into their current three units, according to Mercia Real Estate website. There are also restaurants, take-aways, ladies fashion shops, estate agents and hairdressers - but no brand names have been released yet.

What to expect?

Plans involve refurbishment and upgrade works to the existing shopping centre providing ground floor commercial units with some first-floor storage space.

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There are 28 residential apartments at first floor level and a second floor will be created to 19 residential apartments. The reworks will include additional car parking and the provision of a number of new, secure and covered cycle bays, landscaping and the associated works including demolition of two existing overpasses.

The upgraded shopping centre is expected to create new space for employment generating new jobs, opportunities and prospects for the wider village.

Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)
Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)

What the company said

Samuel Clark, CEO of Mercia Real Estate commented: “We are thrilled to have been granted planning consent for Knowle Place. Our extensive investment into this fresh, new development will positively influence the village and the immediate surroundings in addition to providing a beneficial sense of place and a focal point for developing an enhanced sense of community.”

Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)
Knowle Place CGI (Photo - Mercia Real Estate)

Samuel added: “The new development will represent the needs and aspirations of the existing and future local community. We will continue to work closely with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and aim to re-establish and revive the former shopping centre by creating an exciting place to live, shop and meet by investing in the area providing Knowle and the local community with a centre that better reflects the aspirations of its local community.”

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