Search for developer to transform Birmingham Smithfield begins

The search for a development partner to lead one of the largest city centre regeneration opportunities in Europe has formally begun.

Birmingham City Council, together with Cushman & Wakefield, property consultants, have launched the search for a developer to transform Birmingham Smithfield, the city’s former wholesale markets site.

The developer will work with the city council in realising the vision for the site set out in the Smithfield masterplan for a landmark, sustainable, mixed-use development including a family and leisure hub, supported by retailers, restaurants, hotels and a public square.

A residential neighbourhood and integrated transport facilities will also be available on the site.

The development of the site is expected to deliver over 300,000 square metres of new floor space, 2,000 new homes and 3,000 new jobs and an investment value of over £1 billion.

Development/investment partners have been invited to participate by 12 September 2017 and the council has a target to select the preferred bidder by March 2018.

John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are excited to launch the search for a world class developer/investor who has a shared vision and can bring the necessary expertise and resources to partner with the council in delivering the transformational re-development of the Birmingham Smithfield area.

"Birmingham Smithfield will be one of the largest and most attractive city centre development sites in Europe and is a once in a generation opportunity for the council to partner with a private developer/investor to redevelop a major city centre site covering 42 acres where the Council is a major land owner. Creating 3,000 new jobs, it sets the standard for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development and is a major part of the unprecedented change happening in Birmingham as billions of pounds of investment transforms the city’s economy.”

David Tonks, head of the Birmingham office of Cushman & Wakefield, added: “We are delighted to be working with Birmingham City Council to bring forward this once in a generation development opportunity to transform a key city centre site. We anticipate interest from a wide range of developers.”