Smithfield Development: When construction work is expected to start in Birmingham city centre

Construction work on the highly anticipated Smithfield development – the former home of Birmingham wholesale markets – is expected to begin next year.

The massive site will contain new office spaces, markets, a roof garden, shops, a pub, and two new public squares as well as up to 3,000 residential units. The site will be the home of the Bull Ring markets and even a theatre or cinema. It is expected that the plans will be delivered across multiple phases over an approximate 11-year period. In January 2023, it was announced that work is expected to commence this year, with completion anticipated in 2034. However, in October 2023, ‘key design changes’ were made to the £1.9 billion project.

When will Smithfield Development construction begin?

A Birmingham City Council representative said:“Revised plans for the Smithfield development will be considered by city planners early next year and, subject to planning approval being granted, construction work is due to begin by next Autumn.

“These proposals provide a new home for the city’s historic Bull Ring markets as part of an iconic new centrepiece for the city centre; and we anticipate the markets will be able to move into their new home from 2028.

“Our market traders are tenants who operate their own businesses from council-run sites, so they are expected to pay their fees and charges. There is plenty of car parking available across the city centre, as well as good public transport links, for shoppers to use to visit the markets. It’s also worth noting that consumers’ shopping habits have changed since the pandemic, with many more people now doing their shopping online.”