First phase of £1.9bn regeneration of Smithfield gets the go-ahead
Lendlease can kickstart the first phase of its regeneration of Birmingham Smithfield, after securing planning permission from 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.
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.
Selina Mason, director of masterplanning for Birmingham Smithfield at Lendlease said: “We are delighted to have achieved full planning approval for our first phase of much needed new homes alongside spaces that support health and wellbeing and the local community.
“This is a key milestone that will kick-start the delivery of 3,000 homes for England’s second city – creating jobs, wider opportunities and making Birmingham an even better, lively and welcoming place for people to live and work. As the master developer we’re excited about working with investors and partners on Birmingham Smithfield.”
A report ahead of the planning committee’s meeting on March 13 had recommended approving the phase one plan and 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 and housing types which “do not benefit families”.
It also criticised the lack of affordable housing, however, affordable housing will be delivered across the remaining phases of the scheme according to the report.
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.
