A development agreement, which was signed in October, between Solihull Council and the owners of Touchwood, Lend Lease, has made this possible. Public consultation has already begun on the new scheme.
The development includes the demolition of two existing council buildings to allow for the 115000 square foot extension. The council will move all its operations into the adjacent Church Hill House building, which acts as its head office.
This new scheme is in response to demands from businesses and to increase the offering in the night-time economy of Solihull, with eight new cafes and restaurants due to form part of the overall expansion.
Lend Lease aims to submit a planning application during the latter part of this year, commence work on site during 2016 and to complete the project during 2018. The expansion is estimated to create 500 jobs during construction and 400 permanent jobs.
The outline plans have proposals for eight cafes or restaurants, most of which will be placed around a courtyard. The extension includes an open and a covered thoroughfare.
A new opening will become available on to the Solihull High Street, which will force the removal of several businesses, including Letting Places, Revital Health Shop, BB Boutique and Melvyn Danes Estate Agency.
The development will also result in the closure of the Missoula Bar and Nightclub.
