Archaeology works begin at Smithfield Birmingham ahead of major regeneration
PRESS RELEASE – 26 NOVEMBER 2025
Archaeological works have begun at Smithfield Birmingham, marking an important new phase of the £1.9bn regeneration project.
An investigation, which is being led by Galldris in partnership with Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, forms a key part of the shared commitment to understanding, protecting and celebrating Birmingham’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. It offers a valuable opportunity to explore Birmingham’s medieval past, with the area under investigation, sitting just north of the city’s former moated manor once home to the Lords of Birmingham. Any findings will be carefully documented and preserved in line with national guidance.
Galldris and Cotswold Archaeology will be carrying out the investigation until mid-December 2025. The works are being fully contained within the development site.
Plans for the 17-hectare regeneration of Smithfield Birmingham were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in June last year. Delivered through a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, the neighbourhood will feature more than 3,000 new homes, vibrant cultural and leisure attractions, modern workspaces for businesses, and an extensive network of green infrastructure and public spaces. At its heart, Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets will be reimagined within two purpose-designed buildings.
Selina Mason, Director of Masterplanning for Birmingham Smithfield, Lendlease, said: “Momentum is really building at Smithfield, and this excavation marks another important step forward. The medieval manor and market is at the heart of Birmingham’s most historic area, it helped shape the city we know today and honouring that heritage is central to Birmingham’s regeneration.
“Reaching this stage has taken sustained focus and close collaboration between all our partners, whose continued support and expertise have been vital to making it possible. Our approach at Lendlease is to embed ourselves in the places we work, getting to know them from the inside out, so that every new chapter builds on the character and significance of what came before.”
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Birmingham City Council, said: “Smithfield is one of the most significant regeneration projects in Birmingham’s history, and we are committed to ensuring that its future is built on a deep respect for its past.
“These archaeological works give us a unique opportunity to uncover and celebrate the city’s medieval heritage before redevelopment work begins to deliver new homes, jobs, and vibrant spaces for generations to come.”
Deborah Williams, Historic England Regional Director (Midlands), said: “Smithfield is one of Birmingham’s most historically important sites, and this archaeological work is a vital step in deepening our understanding of the city’s early development. By carefully investigating and recording the remains of the medieval manor and market, we can ensure that this heritage is not only protected, but meaningfully woven into the future of the area. We’re pleased to support a project that places such strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating Birmingham’s past as it plans for the generations to come.”
Rob Sutton, Director of Heritage Consultancy at Cotswold Archaeology, said: “Fine views of the fine Church will be protected, and the new public space will celebrate and conserve the buried remains of the medieval moat and manor house. But, for me, the most interesting story here is about nearly 1,000 years of market trading in the same spot. That depth of heritage is a powerful legacy today and for the future too.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Smithfield Birmingham
- Smithfield Birmingham is a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group with core expertise in shaping cities and creating strong and connected communities.
- Birmingham Smithfield will deliver more than 3,000 new homes and an extensive network of green infrastructure and public spaces forming an iconic new city centre destination which reflects the area’s rich history.
- During the construction period around 9,000 jobs will be created of which 1,000 are supporting people back into work, and over 300 will be apprenticeships. There will also be new cultural and leisure attractions, vibrant retail markets and space for start-ups, small business, and entrepreneurs.
- The plans have been shaped by local people from across Birmingham’s diverse communities, including local residents, businesses and community organisations, market traders, and a dedicated youth panel.
About Galldris
Galldris is a leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractor with over 27 years’ experience delivering complex, self-delivered solutions across the UK. Supported by a team of 150 staff, more than 600 directly employed operatives, and an extensive in-house plant division, the company provides end-to-end expertise across Enabling Works, Earthworks & Remediation, Groundworks, Reinforced Concrete Structures, Rail Engineering and Utilities.
Currently delivering over 30 projects nationwide, Galldris delivers safe, efficient and high-quality outcomes for major infrastructure and regeneration programmes. The business is known for its agile approach, strong safety culture and proven technical capability, underpinned with extensive experience across London’s landmark urban regeneration schemes including King’s Cross, Brent Cross Town and Canada Water, as well as nationally significant infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Sizewell C.
With established offices across Birmingham, Suffolk and Greater London, Galldris combines local presence with national reach, strengthened by the commitment, accountability and long-term focus that comes from being an employee-owned business.
About Cotswold Archaeology
Cotswold Archaeology is one of the UK’s top suppliers of professional heritage and archaeology services, and a registered educational charity. We are renowned for our commitment to advancing public understanding of archaeology, and furthering an appreciation of cultural heritage and the historic environment in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Established in 1989 and with over 350 employees, we provide expert, bespoke archaeological services for both private and public sector clients, including heritage consultancy, excavation, specialist analysis, and community engagement. We have a reputation for excellent service delivery, in-depth ‘planning to publication’ project management, and employing meticulous research and cutting-edge archaeological practices, as well as highly-skilled and experienced teams.
We are dedicated to ensuring that every project contributes to our understanding of human history. Our work not only supports delivery of your projects, it also adds social value through enhanced community engagement and education in cultural heritage.
For more information on how Cotswold Archaeology can assist your project – be it commercial or community – visit our website at https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/ or contact us via enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Project team
Main contractor: Galldris
Archaeologists: Cotswold Archaeology
Planning Consultant: DP9