News
Carmody Groarke appointed to design new work- and market space in Smithfield Birmingham regeneration
We are excited to announce that Carmody Groarke has been appointed by Lendlease to design a building as part of the major regeneration of Smithfield Birmingham.
Combining modern Grade A workspace with a new home for Birmingham’s historic Rag Market, the building will occupy a prominent position overlooking the Bullring shopping centre and St Martin’s Church, creating a new gateway into Smithfield.
Carmody Groarke was selected following a competitive shortlisting process that attracted submissions from 27 architectural teams. Other shortlisted teams were: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, David Kohn Architects with Weedon Architects, and Eric Parry Architects.
The building will deliver high-quality commercial office space, supporting Birmingham’s position as a major UK business hub. It will also house a new Rag Market, replacing the existing facility and ensuring the city’s historic market tradition remains a vibrant and integral part of Smithfield. The new Rag Market will sit alongside the Open Market within the heart of the development.
We will now work with Lendlease and Birmingham City Council to progress designs for the building ahead of a planned application in early 2027.
The wider Smithfield Birmingham regeneration will deliver more than 3,000 new homes, cultural and leisure attractions, modern workspaces and a major new network of public spaces and green infrastructure. At the heart of the masterplan, Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets will be reimagined, preserving and enhancing their vital role in the city's daily life.