years from 1 April 2024, with the funds available for reinvestment in development, infrastructure and services.

The EBNS strategy sets out a vision for the regeneration of North Solihull, aiming to deliver multi-modal transport improvement through capitalising on the benefits of HS2, while prioritising employment and education opportunities, and preventative care. The strategy emphasises the need for an ambitious, long-term approach combining capital investment with public service improvement to deliver sustainable local economic development.

On 1 April 2025, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester became the first areas in the UK to receive the Integrated Settlement (IS) from the Government. The IS signals the removal of historic ring-fencing of funding, giving greater control and choice over what devolved funding can be spent on. Local authorities are central to the delivery of the IS, and we have developed a Place Based Strategy which will align any funding we receive with local priorities for economic growth and climate change action.

We will ensure that all our businesses, communities and individuals have equal opportunities to benefit from these developments, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas of the borough. This will require an integrated approach to infrastructure investment, housing and joined up local public services.

Artist's drawing of Mell Square regeneration

Key activities

• Unlocking the development opportunity at Arden Cross and supporting the University of Warwick's plans to deliver a Health Tech campus.
• Deliver a new community, health and retail hub as phase two of the Kingshurst village centre redevelopment.
• Deliver the first phases of the Mell Square redevelopment, as part of the Solihull Town Centre Masterplan.
• Deliver upon the Council's investment strategy for the East Birmingham and North Solihull (EBNS) Growth Zone.
• Continue to support approaches which drive inclusive growth (growth which benefits people and places) through key local developments, the EBNS Growth Zone, and pilot projects which test innovative ways of doing things.
• Deliver the Council's transport investment programme, whilst working with Transport for West Midlands to lobby for improved connectivity from North Solihull to Solihull town centre.
• Deliver targeted programmes of business support and inward investment to support high-value sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and develop growth sectors (including future mobility, creative and digital), as well as supporting the vital role of the everyday and rural economies.