First phase of £1.9bn Smithfield regeneration tipped for approval
The first phase of Lendlease’s £1.9bn regeneration of Birmingham Smithfield have been recommended for approval by Birmingham city Council.
The mixed-use building, designed by Bell Phillips and Intervention Architecture, will overlook Manor Square and include 408 build-to-rent homes and a health and wellbeing leisure facility, alongside a mix of shops, bars and restaurants.
A report ahead of the planning committee’s meeting on March 13 said the apartment building would make a “meaningful contribution” towards Birmingham’s housing shortfall.
Birmingham Civic Society raised concerns about the “limited design quality” of the scheme, housing types which “does not benefit families”.
It also criticsed the lack of affordable housing, however affordable housing will be delivered across the remaining phases of the scheme according to the report.
Historic England had previously intervened, citing potential harm to Birmingham’s historic cityscape. This led to a one-year delay and several design changes, including additional staircases, increased building heights, and 500 extra homes.
Spearheaded by a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, the development will feature more than 82,000 sq m of office space, 3,079 apartments and 44,000 sq m of retail once complete. Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets will be rehoused into two new buildings and Manor Square will be large enough for public events of up to 6,900 people.
During the construction period around 9,000 jobs will be created of which 1,000 are supporting people back into work, and over 300 will be apprenticeships.
When plans were submitted, Selina Mason, director of master planning for Smithfield said: “This is an important step for both Lendlease and the Birmingham Smithfield regeneration scheme. These plans kick-start the transformation of this iconic site, bringing much needed new homes and spaces that support health and wellbeing and the local community.
“We’re proud to be playing a part in preserving Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets, while also creating a vibrant new neighbourhood that will benefit the city for generations to come and look forward to this application being considered by the City Council early next year.”
