Placemaking specialist Muse signed development agreement with council last yearHowells plans to transform Solihulls 1960s retail and leisure precinct, Mell Square Shopping Centre, into a mixed-use development near the town centre have been submitted for planning approval.Source: Muse / HowellsAn autumnal CGI of plans for Mell SquareThe scheme, brought forward by developer Muse, proposes up to 1,600 homes as part of a major regeneration of the 6.2ha site.Full planning documents are not yet available, but according to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) published last year, its maximum height will be 14 storeys, with smaller elements ranging between four and nine storeys.Of the 1,600 homes planned, up to 150 could be assisted living homes, according to the EIA.The residential component will also include build-to-rent and affordable homes.The scheme will also include a 425-room hotel, which may span two separate plots, more than 20,000 sq m for retail and 32,000 sq m for office space, as well as 19,000 sq m of public open space.Source:Muse / HowellsMuse, proposes up to 1,600 homes as part of a major regeneration of the 6.2ha siteMuse signed a development agreement with the council last November, after which the developer held a community conversation to showcase the emerging plans.Lisa Turley, development director at Muse, said: We have worked closely and in partnership with Solihull Council to develop an ambitious masterplan proposal.Its an approach which has been informed by detailed consultation with the community and partners from across the town centre. Well continue to work closely with established businesses, tenants, and residents as the process develops to minimise disruption and shape the next steps.This is an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the council, and others, to deliver.The EIA estimated that enabling works for phase one could begin in the third quarter of 2025, with completion of the schemes final phase targeted for the fourth quarter of 2035.However, Muse now says a final planning decision is now expected in late 2025, with construction more likely to begin next year.