Lendlease selects dRMM and Intervention Architecture for Plot 1D

dRMM together with Birmingham-based Intervention Architecture are part of a selection of international and local architects chosen to lead the design of Smithfield Birmingham, focusing on plot 1D.

Plot 1D is a key part of the masterplan, providing a vital new connection and a vibrant market and retail offer, as well as a new residential quarter, which is situated to the south-east of the site, amidst local shops and workspaces for new and existing communities.

Together, dRMM and Birmingham locals Intervention Architecture will work to provide mixed-tenure homes designed to meet the health and wellbeing needs of local people. These homes will be set amongst a landscape that provides significant urban greening in the centre of the city. Across the development mixed retail and workspace will provide the Birmingham Smithfield community with convenient and self-sustaining live, work and creative spaces.

Plot 1D will set new standards for the delivery of exemplar sustainable homes. Our design will create a genuine sense of belonging for diverse and vibrant communities in Birmingham by synthesising regional values with sustainability, buildability and post-pandemic living.

Philip Marsh Director, dRMM, said:

‘The Masterplan is a vital project for the city. We are thrilled to be in Birmingham collaborating with Birmingham City Council, Lendlease, and local emerging practice Intervention Architecture to realise this ambitious vision to re-energise this site. We understand the critical importance of defining the character of a place. We are skilled in shaping residential neighbourhoods and workplace developments to establish sustainable communities. We have previously achieved high quality with Lendlease at Trafalgar Place (Elephant and Castle) and will use this skillset to deliver a vibrant urban neighbourhood at Birmingham Smithfield.’

Anna Parker, Director, Intervention Architecture, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of the city we have grown within, working closely with dRMM studio and in collaboration with Lendlease and Birmingham City Council. As local designers we are excited to share our insights in co-creation, inviting people to become engaged with the site in innovative ways with the purpose of making a truly unique, high quality, meaningful neighbourhood for Birmingham.”

James Amos, Development Director at Lendlease, said: 

‘Our chosen team of architects brings a fantastic blend of creativity, local talent and experience, alongside a clear commitment to sustainability.

The design team is now developing initial proposals and in March we will begin formal consultation on the masterplan with local people, market traders and stakeholders to gather feedback on our ideas and help shape the best possible vision for Smithfield.’

The wider Smithfield Birmingham team includes Haworth Tompkins, Minesh Patel Architects, RCKa, David Kohn Architects, Prior+Partners, WSP, James Corner Field Operations, DP9, AECOM, Camargue and Ramboll.

The Plot 1D project team includes dRMM, Intervention Architecture, Wallace Whittle (sustainability and MEP).