Archaeological investigations have started at Smithfield Birmingham, signalling a fresh stage in the £1.9bn regeneration scheme.

The work, led by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, is intended to deepen understanding of the area’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. The site under examination lies just north of the city’s former moated manor, once home to the Lords of Birmingham, and all discoveries will be recorded and preserved in line with national guidance.

Cotswold Archaeology will conduct the investigation until mid-December 2025, with activity fully contained within the development footprint.

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Plans for the 17-hectare revamp were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in June last year. Delivered through a joint venture between the council and Lendlease, the scheme includes more than 3,000 new homes, cultural and leisure attractions, modern workspaces, and an extensive network of green infrastructure and public spaces. At its core, the 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."