THE site of a former secondary school in north Solihull is to be transformed into a new community of up to 175 homes thanks to a £3million investment by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivery by Solihull Council.
The deal paves the way for the enabling works needed for the scheme on land that was once home to Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of WMCA, said: “This investment is another great example of the commitment of the WMCA, alongside Solihull Council, to continue delivering new homes and jobs for local people during these challenging times.
“Before coronavirus struck, the West Midlands economy was growing fast, living standards were improving, and there was a rapid expansion in house building.
“The pandemic has hit us hard, but Simon Digby is just one of many schemes we are backing as part of our wider plans to get our economy back on track and regain our previous momentum.
“Not only does this scheme provide much-needed homes and jobs, but it also helps protect precious greenbelt land, something that I know is critically important to the residents of Solihull.”
The Simon Digby scheme aims to see around 40 per cent of the new homes classed affordable.
The £3m investment is a further significant boost for the delivery of the scheme and will be used to bring forward the majority of the site infrastructure including a new access road from the Chester Road (A452) and acoustic mitigation measures.
The development, which will be well connected to nearby Chelmsley Wood Town Centre and the future HS2 Interchange Station, is also an important part of Solihull Council’s Local Plan and follows significant feasibility work in connection with the site and design work.
Councilor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and WMCA portfolio holder for environment and energy, HS2, said: “The vital funding we have secured from the WMCA will help us unlock the potential this development site offers.
“There is further design and planning work to be done, but the potential to provide around 175 much needed new homes, many of which will be affordable, is a great opportunity for us.”
