A design team has been appointed to shape plans for a new home for the historic Birmingham markets in Smithfield.

David Kohn Architects beat competition from a host of entries to claim the leading contract for the major design scheme in the city centre. The firm will be supported with a team comprising Birmingham-based Eastside Projects, Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Mark El-khatib, Charcoalblue, Price & Myers, WSP, Urban Space Management, Plan A Consultants and Max Fordham.

The team was selected after competitors submitted sketches, images and diagrams that described the guiding principles that they would want to explore in the design of a market for Birmingham, and a single image or sketch that captured the spirit and character of the market that the team would like to create.  

David Kohn Architects' winning submission recognised the importance of capturing and sustaining the passion and energy of the current markets and the wider city. It also addressed the significance of the markets and traders to the wider city community, and the strength of opportunity offered by blending old and new.


The jury, which included Birmingham City Council (BCC) Leader Ian Ward and internationally renowned architect Amanda Levete, felt that the winners were a team with great vision, collaboration skills and energy.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader, Birmingham City Council, said: "As anticipated, this competition attracted an incredibly high standard of skill and creativity, but the winner clearly stood out as the team to take this exciting project forward with a collaborative approach that I am confident will bring out the very best of our fantastic city."

David Kohn, Director, David Kohn Architects, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with Lendlease, Birmingham City Council and the wider community on such an important project for the city. Smithfield has been the productive centre of markets and makers since the foundation of Birmingham and integral to its success as the 'City of a Thousand Trades'. We are looking forward to working with local businesses and communities to explore the future of markets and the city through this unique legacy."

The new markets will be the centrepiece of the £1.5 billion Smithfield development - positioned adjacent to the Bullring and Digbeth, and a short walking distance from Birmingham's existing New Street and future HS2 stations. 

(CM/JG)