Transforming the heart of the city

THE ASPIRATION
A historic site ready for reinvention

The Smithfield site in Birmingham City Centre is one of the most exciting development opportunities in the UK. Once home to Birmingham’s historic markets, this 17-hectare area has remained underused, its rich heritage hidden beneath layers of outdated infrastructure.

Recognising its potential, developer Lendlease, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, envisioned a bold transformation: a £1.9 billion mixed-use development that would reinvigorate the city centre with new cultural and leisure attractions, over a million square metres of office space and thousands of new homes. Challenges included balancing modern needs with historic preservation and meeting sustainability requirements under Birmingham’s Zero Emissions City Framework. With an ambition to create 8,000 new jobs and breathe life into this historic district, careful planning and expert coordination were essential.

OUR RESPONSE
A masterplan that respects the past and shapes the future

Ridge was entrusted with project managing Smithfield Marketplace (Plot 5) and supporting the wider Smithfield Masterplan through to a successful planning approval. 

Our role involved coordinating a complex and global team of specialist consultants and project teams – from signature architects and fire engineers to façade, arts and sustainability experts. Significant financial pressures meant our primary focus was to scrutinise the design, identify cost drivers and establish a clear route to viability 

We pulled together detailed deliverable schedules for each design stage and the planning application, creating a master schedule and programme that mapped outcomes across all individual plot teams each with differing challenges and success criteria. 

Sustainability was a key priority. We proactively managed design decisions to secure the lowest embodied carbon solution – while targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, NABERS and Whole Life Carbon goals in line with LETI standards. 

THE RESULT
A vibrant, inclusive city hub in the making 

The revised masterplan, approved in June 2024, will see Smithfield reborn as a dynamic urban quarter. Anchored by Birmingham’s famous Bull Ring markets, the development will introduce mixed-use spaces including public squares, landscaped parks and Festival Square – a state-of-the-art events venue – alongside extensive residential, commercial and cultural offerings. 

THE LASTING IMPACT
A sustainable and people-focused transformation 

Smithfield will redefine Birmingham’s city centre, restoring its historic significance while paving the way for future growth and sustainability. Our efforts have ensured that this ambitious development delivers a thriving, inclusive district – setting a new benchmark for urban regeneration across the UK. 

Find out more about our Project Management expertise at Ridge. Click here to read the full Smithfield project story.