Have Your Say on Half-Billion Pound Smithfield Regeneration
Public Consultation Opens for Birmingham Smithfield Project
A public consultation has begun, giving Birmingham residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on the future of the ambitious Birmingham Smithfield regeneration project. The consultation period will last for eight weeks, commencing with an event held tomorrow, Thursday 18th March, at the Birmingham Hippodrome. This offers the public a chance to review and comment on the visioning document for the 14-hectare site.
Ambitious Plans for City Centre Site
The consultation follows the launch of the £500 million regeneration plan at MIPIM. The Birmingham Smithfield project is seen as a unique chance to create a landmark destination for the city, building upon the area's historical significance as a retail market hub.
Prime Location to Boost Economy
Located in the heart of Birmingham, the Smithfield development aims to capitalise on its proximity to the city's premier shopping district, which attracts over 40 million visitors annually, contributing £2 billion to the local economy. It will also benefit from its location near New Street Station, used by more than 51 million passengers each year.
New Public Spaces and Connectivity
The plans envision a vibrant new area with high-quality pedestrian and cycle routes, alongside a series of new public spaces. Central to the development will be Market Square, intended as the focal point, around which the markets and family leisure quarter will be situated.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The 14-hectare site is projected to deliver over 100,000 square metres of new floorspace, 1,000 new homes, and 3,000 new jobs. It's also expected to contribute an additional £470 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy and attract millions more visitors to Birmingham.
Improved Transport Links
The city's Midland Metro tram system will be integrated into the site, connecting Birmingham Smithfield to the proposed High Speed Rail (HS2) terminus at Curzon Street. Further improvements to public transport facilities are also planned.
Have Your Say
The public are encouraged to visit the relevant website to view the visioning document, obtain further information, and submit their feedback. Officials have stated that they want to hear the views of Birmingham residents on how to best utilise this opportunity and create a lasting legacy for the city, adding it presents an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant new destination and enhance the city's reputation as a great place to live, visit, and do business. They emphasised that the public consultation provides an opportunity for the people of Birmingham to have their say on the future of this major redevelopment.
Exhibition Details
The event on Thursday 18th March will run from 8am to 10am.
An exhibition will be on display at St Martin’s church in the Bullring between Saturday 21st March until Friday 1st May from 9.00am – 5.00pm, and then at the Library of Birmingham from Thursday 7th May until Thursday 14th May during library opening hours.