微密圈

The Smithfield scheme in the centre of Birmingham has been allocated 拢173m in grant funding.

Plans for the neighbourhood, which is home to the city鈥檚 famous Bull Ring Markets, include more than 3,000 homes and a park, as well as new culture and leisure attractions. 

Lendlease鈥檚 proposals for the 17ha Smithfield development were approved last June by the council鈥檚 planning committee.

The new funding, which makes the project financially viable, is subject to the approval of full business cases for the different phases of the project, which will be submitted as the scheme progresses.

An outline business case has already been agreed between the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board and Birmingham City Council鈥檚 Cabinet. The first full business case is expected to be submitted for approval early in 2026.

In the meantime, Lendlease will continue with detailed design for the first phase, which includes new markets, residential and workplace buildings, as well as new areas of public realm like Manor Square and Market Square.

Earlier this year, Lendlease announced an agreement with the Crown Estate to create a joint venture focused on the private equity-owned developer鈥檚 undeveloped land management portfolio, including Smithfield.

>> Read more: Surprise and relief: why the Lendlease sale to private equity is seen as a vote of confidence in UK contractors

Council deputy leader Sharon Thompson said: 鈥淭his 拢1.9 billion development will transform the area, creating a vibrant landmark in the heart of Birmingham, that will elevate the city鈥檚 economic growth and enhance its international reputation.

鈥淪mithfield is the largest single city centre development site in the UK, and is a key strand of our plans to transform the city centre.

鈥淎pproval of this grant funding is a significant milestone that will kick start the delivery of 3,000 homes for Birmingham, create 9,000 jobs, and will make Birmingham鈥檚 city centre an even more exciting and lively place for people to live and work.鈥�

The total cost of the grant will be met from business rates income the development is expected to generate by 2045/46.

A number of high-profile architects have worked on plans for the neighbourhood, including Stirling Prize-winner Haworth Tompkins as well as dRMM, Intervention Architecture, Minesh Patel Architects and RCKa, with James Corner Field Operations designing the public realm and landscape.

Also on the project team is Aecom as QS, DP9 as planning consultant, Turner & Townsend as principal advisor to Lendlease, structural engineer Arup, transport and civil engineer WSP and heritage consultant Montagu Evans.