More cash is needed to help progress a major programme aimed at improving public spaces in Solihull Town Centre.

Solihull Town Centre Public Realm Improvement Scheme aims to modernise streets and link to other major regeneration schemes in the borough.

But a report to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board said a new outline business case has been submitted requesting an additional £148,000 for the project.

The aim of the project is to upgrade pedestrian pathways, squares and green spaces to improve visitor experience, link to transport hubs, retail areas and park and tie in with other major regeneration schemes such as Mell Square.

The go-ahead for the joint WMCA and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) project was given in 2019 with a budget of £575,000 and an original completion date of 2022.

This was then put back to 2025 but further issues have resulted in an amended outline business case (OBC) being submitted last month.

A paper going to Investment Board on Monday, August 17 said: "The scheme seeks to improve accessibility, sustainability and the quality of public spaces within Solihull Town Centre, including improvements to High Street, Church Square and surrounding areas.

"The funding supported development of a Strategic Outline Case, with two outputs: a Public Realm Framework document and an OBC.

"The Public Realm Framework was completed in September 2025.

"The approved completion date was July 2022, subsequently extended to March 2025.

"The approved allocation is £575,000, of which £568,533 has been claimed.

"The draft OBC was submitted in March 2025, seeking additional Investment

"Programme funding of £148,879 through available underspend, and has since been updated following review.

"The project was originally commissioned in 2019 with the intention of delivering a single large-scale public realm improvement scheme across Solihull Town Centre.

"However, changes to the funding landscape since that time mean that a more streamlined and phased approach is now required, with elements of public realm improvement delivered through separate funding opportunities or as part of wider projects.

"The OBC is being amended to reflect this revised approach and identify a mechanism for approval to draw down the remaining £148,879 when an appropriate match funding opportunity is confirmed.

"The OBC remains under review and will require Investment Board approval before the revised delivery position can proceed."