Lunchtime workers and students fill the square

OUR VISION

Smithfield is an area in Birmingham city centre which includes the former wholesale markets, plus the current Indoor, Open and Rag markets as well as some surrounding land and buildings. It is key to unlocking the potential and growth of the city and long-term economic and social prosperity for the region.

The £1.9bn Smithfield regeneration will be pivotal in the wider, long-term transformation of Birmingham. The rich trading history and the legacy of the iconic Indoor, Open and Rag markets are central to our plans to create a new vibrant market which can thrive for years to come – celebrating the history of Birmingham and its roots as the ‘city of a thousand trades’.

Smithfield has long been home to innovation and a central part of city commerce. We will build on this history and support the area to keep its role at the heart of Birmingham’s economy.

The new market at Smithfield will celebrate Birmingham and be an iconic new centrepiece for the city centre. We want to create an international destination that is a creative and cultural hub, serving local needs and drawing people together.
  • Indicative image of the Smithfield Festival Square
    OUTSTANDING LEISURE AND CULTURE

    An outstanding leisure and cultural quarter, with live performances for all ages.

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    A NEW HOME FOR THE MARKETS​

    A new home for the City’s valued historical Bull Ring markets, with a new destination market experience, establishing Smithfield as a prestigious globally recognised market district.

  • Sunset over Upper Smithfield Walk
    RETAIL AND WORKSPACES

    Independent retail and a variety of workspace, attractive to small, growing and large businesses.

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    SUSTAINABLE CITY LIVING

    High quality city living with over 3,000 new homes in a healthy, sustainable and safe place with community facilities, a new public park, squares and active play for children.

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    BETTER CONNECTIVITY

    Improved connectivity with the integration of the metro, bus routes and prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists.

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    HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC SPACES

    Significant strengthening of the City centre’s authentic character with a major new public square, high quality spaces and public art.

Smithfield will be a dynamic place with something for everyone. At its heart will be the new market alongside a festival square and new cultural spaces that will allow Birmingham’s musical and artistic communities to come together.

Alongside this will be business and leisure space, including hotels, cafés, restaurants and bars, helping to create a range of new employment opportunities with an estimated 8,000 jobs, as well as training and apprenticeship opportunities.

The plans also include space for over 3,000 sustainable and modern homes in a green setting, supported by a range of community facilities and green space at Smithfield Park, which will improve wellbeing and biodiversity. Major improvements to accessibility will stitch the area into the wider city, including the creation of new and improved walking and cycling routes, as well as a green pedestrian boulevard helping to connect the Bull Ring to the wider city centre and sustainable transport connections.

Working with Birmingham City Council, Lendlease will deliver the project in collaboration with the city’s communities.