“Birmingham is at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery,” says Mayor Andy Street—and there’s good reason for his optimism. Over the past 15 years, the city has seen its population grow by over 15% and its economy expand by more than 40%. Long overlooked in favour of London and Manchester, Birmingham is now coming into its own, attracting major investment from both UK and international firms. These five major developments are not just transforming the city’s skyline—they’re redefining what Birmingham represents in the 21st century.
1. Smithfield Regeneration: Rebuilding the Heart of the City
Arguably the most transformative project underway, the Smithfield Regeneration is a £1.9bn redevelopment of a 17-hectare site just south of the Bullring. This long-anticipated masterplan is being delivered by Lendlease in partnership with Birmingham City Council, and promises to create a new civic and cultural heart for the city.
The plans include over 3,000 new homes, a new market district, retail and leisure spaces, office buildings, and a network of public squares and green space. At the centre of the scheme is the relocation and reinvention of the historic Birmingham Wholesale Markets, alongside a new festival square designed to host year-round events.
Architects involved include Prior + Partners for the masterplan, with individual parcels being designed by a mix of emerging and established UK firms. Smithfield’s placemaking strategy places a strong emphasis on walkability, biodiversity, and inclusive design. Phase 1 is expected to go to site in 2025, with infrastructure work already underway.
Fit-out and construction are expected to be handled by a framework of contractors, with Mace, Willmott Dixon, and ISG among those previously shortlisted for related city-centre projects.
2. Curzon Street Station: The Arrival of HS2
The long-delayed but still central Curzon Street Station remains one of the most architecturally ambitious elements of the HS2 project. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the station is conceived as a gateway to Birmingham and a symbol of the UK’s high-speed rail ambitions.
Its striking curved roofline and expansive concourse have already earned it a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating, making it one of the most sustainable major transport hubs ever designed in the UK. The site will also host a series of commercial plots, with Arup and WSP advising on engineering and environmental integration.
Construction has been led by Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), with packages for surrounding infrastructure and fit-out set to go out in 2025. Though the future of HS2’s full route remains uncertain, the commitment to completing Curzon Street has brought a flurry of new planning applications to the area—many of which are already being shaped by the station’s anticipated footfall.
Expect to see major urban realm improvements as part of this scheme, including new public squares, cycle routes, and pedestrian links to Digbeth and the wider Eastside district.
3. Paradise Phase Two: Commercial Gravity in the City Core
Few projects have had as visible an impact on Birmingham’s city centre as the Paradise redevelopment. Now in its second phase, the scheme continues to replace outdated post-war buildings with contemporary architecture, generous public realm, and high-spec office and leisure space.
Led by MEPC and funded by Federated Hermes, Paradise Phase Two will deliver two major new office buildings—One Centenary Way (by Howells) and Three Chamberlain Square (by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios)—alongside a new hotel and public square.
Contractors including BAM Construct UK and Galliford Try have been involved throughout the development, with interiors and fit-outs handled by a mix of local and national firms. The area has already attracted tenants such as PwC and Knights PLC, with more blue-chip occupiers expected to follow once Phase Two completes in late 2025.
Architecturally, the design language draws on Birmingham’s civic grandeur while adding contemporary flourishes, including rooftop terraces, glazed façades, and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
4. Digbeth Transformation: Creative Capital of the Midlands
Digbeth has always been Birmingham’s creative undercurrent—but in 2025, it’s rapidly evolving into a design-led innovation district. Spurred on by the BBC’s relocation to the Typhoo Tea Factory, the area is seeing a wave of redevelopment that combines industrial heritage with high-tech ambition.
The Typhoo redevelopment is led by Stoford, with architecture by Howells (formerly Glenn Howells Architects), and includes over 84,000 sq ft of new broadcast and creative space. It’s being seen as a catalyst for the wider Digbeth regeneration, which includes the Custard Factory expansion, Luna Springs, and the Digbeth Estate’s long-term commercial and residential plans.
Developers such as Oval Real Estate and Homes England are also actively involved, with the ambition to create a self-sustaining cultural ecosystem that includes residential, workspace, and entertainment venues.
Fit-out work across Digbeth is being awarded to specialists in heritage buildings and creative interiors—firms like Oktra, Paragon, and Modus—all experienced in adapting listed structures for modern usage. Expect to see more boutique studios, hybrid workspaces, and co-living developments entering the planning pipeline over the next 12 months.
5. Birmingham Innovation Quarter: The Science and Tech Frontier
Not far from Aston University and Birmingham City University, the Birmingham Innovation Quarter (BIQ) is expanding rapidly as the city bets big on life sciences, biotech, and engineering R&D. The project is being driven by a partnership between the universities, Bruntwood SciTech, and Birmingham City Council, with initial phases receiving significant government support.
Key developments include new wet and dry labs, flexible office spaces, and knowledge-exchange hubs aimed at bridging academia and industry. The Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA), already under construction, is set to become one of the UK’s leading centres for medical innovation outside the Golden Triangle.
Architecture is led by Associated Architects and Sheppard Robson, with sustainability and adaptability core to the building designs. Fit-out is tailored to scientific tenants—lab planners, cleanroom consultants, and specialist M&E contractors are all involved from early stages to ensure technical compliance.
The goal is to position Birmingham as a national leader in applied research, biotech startups, and university spinouts—with the physical infrastructure designed to match.
