Solihull is a large town in the West Midlands and is one of the wealthiest towns in the Midlands.
Solihull was a small market town until the 20th century. During WWII although the town’s neighbours, Coventry and Birmingham were both badly damaged, Solihull was fortunate to only have damage to railway lines and the airport.
The town began to grow in the 1960’s due to the Land Rover car plant opening, the expansion of the airport, and a large slum clearance in Birmingham.
Until the 1960’s there was the High Street and off this were several roads of Victorian houses. The development of Mell Square shopping area meant that these Victorian properties were demolished including a large Victorian church.
Solihull is very accessible with several major roads running through the town including the A41 to Birmingham, A34 to Stratford and the M40 and M42 motorways. Rail links are good with services to London and Birmingham plus local destinations.
The Grand Union Canal is just a mile away from town and this links to the River Thames in London.
There is in Solihull a mixture of housing types and the larger developments were erected between 1950 and 1970.
Property for rent is always available in Solihull with prices in the region of £495-£595pcm for a l bed flat, £550-£850pcm for a 2 bed flat and £650-£795pcm for a 3 bed house.
Shopping is good in Solihull with Touchwood shopping centre that opened in 2001 and the 1960’s style Mell Square. The High Street has been pedestrianised for around thirteen years and shops to be found in the town include Bratz, Pumpkins Patch, Happit, Madeleine Anne, River Island, West One, The Gant Store, Redfords and Fire and Ice. Larger stores in the town include Marks and Spencer. Woolworths, Bhs and John Lewis.
The car manufacturers Land Rover has a plant in Solihull and the National Exhibition Centred considered by many to be in Birmingham is actually in Solihull as is most of Birmingham International Airport.
The Tudor Mint produces Pewter figurines and has recently relocated to Solihull after having been in Birmingham since it was founded.
The town has facilities for sailing, skateboarding, athletics and has two sports centres with a third under construction.
There is in Solihull a Sea Scout Group that holds many activities for children up to the age of eighteen years. The ice rink is home to both junior and senior ice hockey teams as well as ice dance and figure skating clubs.
There are many pubs and restaurants in the town such as the Barley Mow, Saddlers Arms and the George. Restaurants include Nando’s La Tasca, Zizzi, TGI Fridays and Pizza Hut.
Solihull is home to two nightclubs both of which are situated in the High Street, Reflex @ The Loft (known locally as its previous name of Rosie’s) and the Opal Lounge.
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