Smithfield Birmingham transformation receives green light from council planners

Revised plans for the regeneration of a 17-hectare site in the heart of Birmingham have been approved by the city council’s Planning Committee.

The plans for Smithfield Birmingham include more than 3,000 new homes and will create major economic opportunities, including 9,000 new jobs. They were updated to address an objection from Historic England and respond to changes as a result of the Building Safety Act.

Once completed the £1.9 billion development will form an iconic new city centre destination and reflect the area’s rich history.

As well as thousands of homes, there will be new cultural and leisure attractions, vibrant retail markets and space for start-ups, small business, and entrepreneurs. The scheme has been designed to include high-quality architecture alongside a network of green infrastructure and public spaces.

Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets remain at the heart of these plans, rehomed in two new buildings; one consisting of an indoor food market, dining hall, restaurant and event space, and the second the home to the Rag Market. The Outdoor Market will take up residence in a brand new square.

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "Obtaining planning approval is a significant step in delivering the Council’s ambitions for Smithfield Birmingham in partnership with Lendlease. This £1.9bn development will transform the area, creating a new community in the heart of our city, generating thousands of new jobs and training opportunities, and delivering over 3,000 new homes. We are delighted to see these exciting proposals moving forward."

Colin Murphy, Project Lead on Smithfield Birmingham for Lendlease, said: “This is a major milestone for the Smithfield project and important step forward in Birmingham’s transformation as an international city. We look forward to continuing our engagement with tenants, residents and everyone else connected to this once in a generation opportunity.”

Smithfield Birmingham will drive opportunities for the city’s economy, create new major cultural and leisure attractions, vibrant retail markets and space for start-ups, small business, and entrepreneurs. It will be a distinctive place that reflects the area’s rich history with high quality architecture, a network of green infrastructure, public spaces, and a dynamic new residential neighbourhood.