News

Green light secured for first new homes at Smithfield Birmingham

Turley is advising Lendlease on a landmark mixed-use building at Birmingham Smithfield which has now secured reserved matters approval from Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee.

We have provided expert Planning, Strategic Communications and EIA services on the project. Designed by Bell Phillips and local practice Intervention Architecture, the building will overlook Manor Square and provide 408 high-quality build-to-rent homes. As the first residential element of Smithfield Birmingham’s regeneration, it will also feature a health and wellbeing-inspired leisure facility, along with a mix of shops, bars and restaurants for the public to enjoy. 

Outline plans for the 17-hectare Smithfield Birmingham site were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in June last year. As well as over 3,000 homes the exciting plans will also provide cultural and leisure attractions as well as new workspace for businesses. Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets will remain at the heart of these plans and will be housed in two new buildings. 

Designed with a focus on high-quality architecture, landscape, and public spaces, Smithfield Birmingham will create up to 9,000 new jobs and deliver significant economic benefits to the city and wider West Midlands region whilst preserving the rich local heritage, particularly the historic markets, which have existed for over 800 years.

Director, Planning, Andrea Arnall, said:

“This landmark mixed-use building is a unique opportunity to create an iconic destination in the heart of Birmingham and we are proud to have secured the green light in collaboration with Lendlease and the wider team. With this approval of the first detailed reserved matters application in this first phase, we are one step closer to delivering the high-quality homes, leisure facilities and opportunities for local businesses that will bring local economic benefit and celebrate the city’s rich heritage.”

Selina Mason, Director of Masterplanning for Birmingham Smithfield, 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.”

20 March 2025