Councillors approve 680-home Smithfield development

Prosperity Group’s 687-home scheme has been approved by councillors, two years after plans were submitted.

The Pressworks development is set within the Smithfield masterplan area in Digbeth and will be the first part of the major regeneration project to come forward.

Located on a former brownfield site, Pressworks will be crafted to create a new gateway into Birmingham’s city centre. Bordered by Bradford Street and Barford Street, the proposals include new homes for sale with 15% classed as affordable, commercial space, public and private outdoor space and a community roof garden.

Joe Billingham, Chief Executive at Prosperity Group, said: “Pressworks is an opportunity to transform an underutilised brownfield site and deliver new homes, alongside exciting opportunities for café’s, restaurants, bars, and shops. It will drive local growth and create hundreds of jobs.

“It will also support the wider delivery of the Smithfield masterplan, representing the first piece of the puzzle for one of Birmingham’s most important regeneration projects. We’ve worked closely with Birmingham City Council and other partners to ensure our proposals align with the wider ambitions for the area.

“This reflects our ambition as a company, helping to play a role in the prosperity of the region, and leading the way in Birmingham’s ongoing transformation. We look forward to working with the city and our partners to deliver this exciting project.”

Prosperity Group’s 711-bed Smithfield Lofts scheme is currently ‘undetermined’ after the council was unhappy with the provision of affordable housing and said the development impacts non-designated heritage assets.