Getting To Know Solihull

The Store Room's newest self storage facility in Solihull has been open for a couple of months now and our self storage services are proving to be a big hit with local households and businesses alike. Now that our local team have had a chance to get their 'feet under the table' and start meeting the people of Solihull, Shirley and the surrounding areas, we thought this would be a great opportunity for them to educate us all about Solihull - and what makes it special!

We'll kick off with some facts about Solihull and then discuss the make up of the local area in a bit more detail...

10 Interesting Facts About Solihull

1. "Silhillians" and Ancient Roots
   Those from Solihull are historically known as "Silhillians." The town's name is thought to have come from from the description “Soily Hill,” referring to the heavy clay soil in the area.

2. The Birthplace of the Land Rover
   Solihull is world-famous as the historic home of Land Rover. The company's main production plant opened there during World War II and remains a major employer in the area as well as a renowned global brand.

3. One of the Oldest Schools in England
   Solihull School, which was founded all the way back in 1560, is among the oldest independent schools in the country. It continues to thrive, blending Tudor traditions with modern education.

4. St. Alphege Church
   The town’s stunning St. Alphege Church, with its towering 57-meter spire, dates back to the 13th century. It dominates Solihull’s skyline and is a Grade I listed building.

5. A Rich Equestrian Heritage
   The surrounding countryside near Solihull has long been associated with horse breeding and equestrian activities, making it a hotspot for many in that world.

6. Touchwood Shopping Centre
   Opened in 2001, Touchwood Hopping Centre is a major retail and leisure development and has significantly shaped Solihull’s modern identity as a shopping destination, with over 80 stores (including John Lewis, Next and H&M) and a cinema.

7. Solihull's Green Spaces
   Solihull is often hailed as one of the UK’s greenest towns, with over 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces, including the stunningl Malvern and Brueton Parks.

8. Royal Connections & Motorcycles
   Solihull once hosted Queen Elizabeth II at the National Motorcycle Museum, located just outside the town near Birmingham Airport, which is one of the largest collections of British motorcycles in the world.

9. A Hub of Musical Talent
   Pop star Jorja Smith, who has won Brit Awards and received Grammy nominations, hails from Solihull, showcasing the area's influence on contemporary music.

10. A Vital Role in Aviation
    During World War II, Solihull’s industrial output contributed hugely to the British war effort, especially through aircraft manufacturing and maintenance near Elmdon (now Birmingham Airport).

Villages, Towns, and Neighbourhoods near Solihull

Solihull is surrounded by a mix of charming villages, bustling towns, and pleasant suburbs, including:

Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge, Lapworth, Balsall Common, Barston, Berkswell, Catherine-de-Barnes, Hampton-in-Arden, Chadwick End, Meriden, Hockley Heath, Bentley Heath, Temple Balsall, Olton, Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst, Fordbridge, Smith’s Wood, Marston Green, Hall Green, Earlswood, Monkspath, Hillfield, Dickens Heath, Tidbury Green, Cheswick Green, Wythall, Elmdon Green, Lyndon, Hatchford, and Knowle.

Serving the Local Community

The Store Room is only a couple of months into our Solihull life, but our aim over the coming decade and beyond is to become a vital and trusted self storage service within the local Solihull and Shirley community (from our location on Shepherd's Green Road, just off the Stratford Road), providing top-quality facilities and grade-A customer service to households and businesses in the local area.

We will be out and about in the area, both physically and digitally over the next few months to spread the word about what we do - and we are keen to keep learning more and more about our new home!