Saqib joined forces with Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, to express their concerns about St John’s Precinct on Knowle High Street to developer Mercia Real Estate. There have been ongoing calls from the community for something to be urgently done about the High Street in light of the current state of the precinct in the centre of Knowle, many of the units have been left unoccupied and in a state of disrepair. This has negatively impacted other businesses in Knowle Village Centre as these eye sores are in the vicinity of their businesses. It also affects the local community who deserve a full and thriving Village Centre to enjoy.
To address these concerns Saqib, Andy, and Ian, alongside Visit Knowle, convened a meeting with the developer to discuss the progress of the development and to secure the best possible deal for the residents of Knowle. Following an Ask Andy event held in Knowle Village Hall on Friday, Saqib and Andy were able to visit the precinct and talk about the strategy for the area and what needs to be done to turn the precinct into a thriving community hub.
Commenting on the High Street, Saqib said:
“I am very pleased that Andy Street convened this meeting with all the relevant stakeholders, including Visit Knowle. Knowle’s high street is of high historical significance and what makes it unique is the string of independents and small businesses that make Knowle a wonderful place to live.”
“I have been fighting to secure the best deal for our community and Andy’s involvement has been invaluable. He has been a champion for Knowle on this issue and we will continue to fight for residents to be heard.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“It is so important that the opinions of Knowle residents are considered for the regeneration of Knowle High Street. This community deserves a thriving local hub for people to enjoy and I will continue to work to make this a reality.”
