£8m set to be invested in Solihull regeneration
MORE than £8m is being invested into a major regeneration scheme in North Solihull to stimulate growth and create new opportunities for business.
Craig Croft in North Solihull is set to undergo a dramatic transformation as part of the plans, which include a new road junction.
Solihull Borough Council said the development would open up new opportunities for businesses and provide a fresh jobs stimulus.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is providing £4.2m for the scheme, which will be managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The funding will be matched by the borough council.
The Craig Croft Village Centre project is part of a package of regional funded activities to develop and improve the North Solihull area. Other funded activities include a new eight-mile cycle network around the area and the creation of village centre at North Arran Way.
Communities Minister Baroness Hanham said: “With some support, Craig Croft has the potential to be a thriving area. The creation of the Enterprise Centre and a vital access route will really help local businesses to develop whilst supporting the local economy. The wider plans for the area will also benefit the local community helping to encourage and develop a sense of community pride. I am delighted to be able to support this project.”
The project forms part of the ambitious £1.5bn North Solihull Regeneration scheme launched in 2005 with the aim of transforming the three wards of Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Kingshurst & Fordbridge.
Over the next four years developments will include better access to employment and training opportunities in and around North Solihull through a vital road junction, allowing for the redevelopment of previously untapped land into a new village centre at Craig Croft.
Within the centre an Enterprise Centre will provide facilities for existing and new small businesses and a series of public realm improvements will turn the area into a modern, high quality public space boosting community pride and encouraging new investment.
