£1.5bn Smithfield scheme set for major step foward

The £1.5bn redevelopment of Birmingham’s Smithfield site is to take a major step forward next month after Birmingham City Council revealed it will formally award the contract to Lendlease.The move will unlock the 41-acre scheme and bring forward a compulsory purchase order to buy the land and property at the Smithfield site that will bring forward “a major city centre regeneration project in accordance with the Smithfield Masterplan,” according to Council documents.Lendlease is set to team up with Birmingham City Council to form a joint venture that will see the development that will include a new home for the Bull Ring market, leisure and cultural facilities, more than 2,000 homes, a new public square and more public transport facilities.David Kohn Architects will design the huge scheme.The development of Birmingham Smithfield is part of the city’s Big City Plan, launched in 2010, which sets out a 25-year vision to grow the city centre by more than 25%. It is expected to take 15 years to build.