A key retail district in a West Midlands town is to undergo a revamp to create a new food and drink offer.
Planning chiefs in Solihull have backed IM Properties' proposals to create what the company is calling a "new immersive eating experience" called Taste Collective.
It will be housed in the unit currently occupied by Costa Coffee, in Mell Square Shopping Centre, with the café chain currently in the process of relocating to a new home in Marks & Spencer.
Taste Collective will offer a range of experience-led eateries including four pop-up style, street food kiosks and a covered outdoor seating area.
This is the latest investment into Solihull by Coleshill-based IM Properties following its acquisition of Mell Square in 2013 and construction of the St Alphege Place development of offices and a restaurant unit occupied by Carluccio's.
Asset director Rob Hemus said the new proposals would help to support existing retailers and create a broad mix of uses for people to experience at Mell Square.
He added: "As a significant investor in the region, we are committed to the continued improvement of Mell Square Shopping Centre and we believe our proposals will create a real point of difference and interest in the town centre.
"We aim to create broader appeal to a range of ages and tastes, bringing greater vitality and vibrancy to the town centre, and creating as many reasons as possible for people to visit Mell Square, be it to shop, eat, drink or socialise with friends and family.
"We've spent a lot of time designing and collaborating with an independent operator who shares our passion and enthusiasm for the Taste Collective and we're excited to unveil more details of the plans over the coming weeks."
