Birmingham’s £1.9bn Smithfield scheme approved

Lendlease and Birmingham City Council have received planning permission for the £1.9bn redevelopment of Smithfield. The joint venture’s approved plans for the 42-acre site include 3,000 BTR, for-sale and affordable homes and 1.7m sq ft of commercial space. Lendlease was chosen as the development partner in 2018, and initial plans for the site were submitted in January 2023. The approved scheme is the third one to be submitted for the site, with the jv’s first revised scheme submitted in October 2023 and the second in January this year.  Birmingham’s Bull Ring markets are at the centre of the approved plans, and have been rehomed in two new buildings: one consisting of an indoor food market, dining hall, restaurant and event space, and the other being home to the Rag Market. Construction is expected to begin on site later this year and the project will be completed in four phases over 15 years.  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 an 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.” View other planning applications in Birmingham >> Image from Lendlease