Initial designs for first phase of £1.9bn Smithfield scheme to be unveiled
Emerging designs for Smithfield Birmingham are set to be unveiled as part of the next phase of public consultation on the £1.9bn landmark regeneration project.
People from across Birmingham are being asked to have their say on proposals for the first phase of the site at a public drop-in event on Tuesday 14 June (3-8pm) at St Martin’s Church, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham.
The event will provide a first look at initial designs for the new home for the historic Bull Ring Markets as well as sustainable and modern offices and homes in a green setting, along with a new public realm including a festival square surrounded by cafés, restaurants and bars.
The initial phase is earmarked for completion by 2027.
Following consultation on the Smithfield masterplan earlier this year, the public drop-in event forms part of a programme of consultation with market traders, local communities and businesses.
James Amos, development director at Lendlease, said: “We would like to thank everyone who responded to our masterplan consultation earlier this year. We’ve seen first hand people’s passion for the city and their desire for Smithfield to deliver a long-lasting legacy.
“Our team of international and local architects have been hard at work developing innovative proposals for the first phase of development, and this next phase of consultation provides an opportunity for people to view and comment on initial designs.”
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Smithfield Birmingham is a real once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new community in the heart of our city – and we are really excited to be working with Lendlease Europe, who have an internationally proven track record for bringing forward major developments like this.
“This £1.9bn development means jobs, homes and opportunities for people across this city and Smithfield Birmingham will become a shining example of inclusive economic growth that will create a real legacy in the heart of Birmingham. We’re keen that this scheme also celebrates our heritage and the historic Bull Ring Markets will be central to this development.”
Alongside masterplanners Prior+Partners and David Kohn Architects, which was appointed to design a new home for the historic Bull Ring Markets following an international design competition, the design team working on the first phase includes:
dRMM and Intervention Architecture
Haworth Tompkins and Minesh Patel Architects
RCKa and Intervention Architecture
Members of the design team will on hand to answer questions and listen to comments at the event. All proposals shared at the event will be published online with the opportunity to provide feedback via the website, and ten libraries across Birmingham will also have hard copy consultation materials and feedback forms available.
Following consultation with the local community, a planning application for the masterplan and phase one will be submitted to Birmingham City Council.
