A 2013 study commissioned jointly by the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) showed scope for growth “on a scale of national significance” in and around Solihull.

The town’s proximity to Birmingham, the future High Speed 2 line from London, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) – set for expansion when the study was published – Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant and Birmingham International Airport all made Solihull a prime candidate for significant growth with the right planning and investment.

Six years later, that potential is starting to be realised. Four key zones of interest have been laid out as part of the wider UK Central masterplan, designed to stimulate investment and development in the wider Solihull area and make the most of the arrival of HS2, scheduled for 2026.