Other practices working on 3,000-home city centre redevelopment include dRMM and RCKa
Plans for the 3,000-home Smithfield scheme in the centre of Birmingham have moved a step closer after being allocated £172.8m in grant funding.
Lendlease’s 17ha neighbourhood would be located on a site currently occupied by the city’s famous Bull Ring markets. It has been designed by a number of high-profile architects including Stirling Prize-winner Haworth Tompkins.
Other practices on the team include dRMM, Intervention Architecture, Minesh Patel Architects and RCKa, with James Corner Field Operations designing the public realm and landscape.
The scheme, which was approved last June, will also include a park and new culture and leisure attractions.
The new funding, which makes the project financially viable, is subject to the approval of full business cases for the different phases of the project, which will be submitted as the scheme progresses.
An outline business case has already been agreed between the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board and Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet. The first full business case is expected to be submitted for approval early in 2026.
In the meantime, Lendlease will continue with detailed design for the first phase, which includes new markets, residential and workplace buildings, as well as new areas of public realm like Manor Square and Market Square.
Earlier this year, Lendlease announced an agreement with the Crown Estate to create a joint venture focused on the private equity-owned developer’s undeveloped land management portfolio, including Smithfield.
Council deputy leader Sharon Thompson said: “This £1.9 billion development will transform the area, creating a vibrant landmark in the heart of Birmingham—that will elevate the city’s economic growth and enhance its international reputation.
“Smithfield is the largest single city centre development site in the UK, and is a key strand of our plans to transform the city centre.
“Approval of this grant funding is a significant milestone that will kick start the delivery of 3,000 homes for Birmingham, create 9,000 jobs, and will make Birmingham’s city centre an even more exciting and lively place for people to live and work.”
The total cost of the grant will be met from business rates income the development is expected to generate by 2045/46.
Also on the project team is Aecom as QS, DP9 as planning consultant, Turner & Townsend as principal advisor to Lendlease, structural engineer Arup, transport and civil engineer WSP and heritage consultant Montagu Evans.
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