We take a look at Sutton Coldfield's Gracechurch Shopping Centre multi-million-pound investment plans

Plans are underway to transfom the Gracechurch Shopping Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

New homes, leisure, retail, commercial and other uses are being earmarked for the shopping centre by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The shopping centre is set to get a multi-million-pound investment to help remodel the 250,000 square ft site and breathe new life into the centre which was originally built in 1974.

The investment is in place to help 're-energise the town centre' in line with the vision set out in the Royal Town Council's masterplan. Shops currently in business inside the shopping centre include the likes of Beaverbrooks, Card Factor, Claire's, Boots, Bodycare and more.

The decision will now trigger detailed negotiations between the WMCA and the developers, Birmingham Property Group and the London-based SAV Group, to finalise a deal.

What's been said about the masterplan?

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Chair of the WMCA, said: “It’s wonderful to have good news to share about the well-known Gracechurch Shopping Centre site in Royal Sutton Coldfield. I’m so pleased to see that the new owners have exciting plans to breathe new life into the town centre.

“We will continue to work in close collaboration with them to help them realise their vision for Gracechurch - benefitting local people through job creation, leisure options and overall regeneration in the months and years ahead.”

Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, and portfolio holder for housing and regeneration at the WMCA, said: “Our town centres and shopping areas are at the heart of our communities and it’s important that we help them to prosper so they offer the retail, homes and services local people need. The WMCA is playing an active role across the region, investing in centres like Sutton Coldfield, to support our local economy as well as providing new homes for our people.”

Anton Nikolaenko, investment director of SAV group, said: “We have been working closely with Frontier and the WMCA and are grateful for their support of our ambitious proposals in Royal Sutton Coldfield.”

Emilios Tsavellas, development director at SAV Group, added: “The Gracechurch Centre holds enormous potential, and Andy Street has been integral in facilitating conversations within the WMCA and with other key stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our work with the WMCA to ensure that our proposals are delivered and integrated with other plans in Royal Sutton Coldfield and the wider region.”