Views sought on gigantic Smithfield development
APUBLIC consultation into the £1.9 billion Smithfield Birmingham project has been launched.
Developers are opening up the plans to scrutiny both online and at three in-person sessions in the coming weeks.
The overall project, which is focused on the former Wholesale Markets site near Bullring, could eventually have 3,000 new houses, a base for the historic Bull Ring markets, leisure and cultural space, a festival square and landscaped park.
Proposals for the 42-acre Smithfield project are being prepared by Birmingham City Council’s appointed partner on the scheme Lendlease.
The launch of the public consultation follows the news last month that a multi-agency design team had been appointed for the first phase of work which includes Birmingham practices Intervention Architecture and Minesh Patel Architects.
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “Smithfield Birmingham is a real once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to create a new community in the heart of our city and we are really excited to be working with Lendlease Europe which has an internationally proven track record for bringing forward major developments like this.
“This £1.9bn development means jobs, homes and opportunities for people across this city and Smithfield Birmingham will become a shining example of inclusive economic growth that will create a real legacy in the heart of Birmingham.
“We’re keen that this scheme also
celebrates our heritage and the historic Bull Ring Markets will be central to this development.”
James Amos, development director at Lendlease, added: “Building on both the city’s rich trading history and its exciting future as an international destination, we’re committed to ensuring Smithfield will be created and shaped by the hands of local people from across Birmingham’s diverse communities.
“This first phase of consultation is all about listening to people and gathering as many thoughts and
ideas as we can to help us develop our proposals.
“We’re particularly keen to hear people’s views about how we can best retain the history and legacy of the iconic markets in our new designs.”
All of the information about Smithfield will be available online at www.smithfieldbirmingham.co.uk where comments can also be posted.