Birmingham Smithfield moves a stage nearer with new appointment

The regeneration of Birmingham’s Smithfield market has moved a stage nearer with the city council’s appointment of Cushman & Wakefield to masterplan and dispose the site.

The 14-hectare site, home to the city’s wholesale market, is one of the largest city centre regeneration opportunities in Europe.

The council’s vision for Birmingham Smithfield is a landmark, sustainable, mixed-use development including a family and leisure hub. It will include: a vibrant market and leisure hub, supported by independent retailers, restaurants and hotels, a lively public square, a wide pedestrian boulevard allowing people to easily access other parts of the city, integrated public transport and a residential neighbourhood offering modern, sustainable homes in a green setting.

Cushman & Wakefield will develop the masterplan in conjunction with the local authority, while also organising the search for a suitable delivery partner.

Development of the site is expected to deliver more than 300,000 sqm of new floor space, 2,000 new homes and 3,000 new jobs and an investment value of over £500m.

David Tonks, Head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Birmingham office, said: “The Smithfield market site is one of the key regeneration opportunities in Europe and a rare chance to rejuvenate 14 hectares of land within the heart of the city centre.

“The site is well placed to capitalise on the rich history of the area with close proximity to the city’s world class retail offer, the creative and knowledge hub and the future High Speed 2 terminus.

“This is an exciting time for Birmingham which is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of change as billions of pounds of investment transforms the city’s economy. We are thrilled to be a part of this project which will drive the continued evolution of the city.”

Cllr John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Smithfield is without doubt one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Birmingham for years and will turn the area currently occupied by the wholesale markets into an exciting and vibrant addition to the city centre.

“Crucially, Smithfield will deliver jobs, homes, and modern public spaces and play a crucial part in the ongoing transformation of the Southern Gateway Area.”

The current wholesale city market is being relocated to The Hub in Witton later this year. The site is a purpose-built facility specifically designed to meet the requirements of the UK’s largest combined wholesale food market.