The planning committee of Birmingham City Council in the UK has given its approval for a new mixed-use building at Birmingham Smithfield.

The building, conceived by design studios Bell Phillips and Intervention Architecture, will incorporate 408 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and a variety of public amenities.

The approved structure will also comprise a leisure facility focusing on health and well-being.

This planned addition to the wider development will introduce a selection of shops, bars, and restaurants, all situated around Manor Square.

The project represents the first residential phase of the broader Smithfield Birmingham regeneration initiative.

In June last year, Birmingham City Council unanimously endorsed outline plans for the 17-hectare Smithfield site, which will be developed in partnership with the UK subdivision of Lendlease, an Australian real-estate and investment business.

The £1.9bn ($2.45bn) project aims to deliver more than 3,000 homes, as well as cultural and leisure attractions and new business workspaces.

A key feature of the plan is the integration of Birmingham’s historic Bull Ring Markets, which have lasted for over 800 years. These will be accommodated in two new buildings, ensuring their preservation.

The Smithfield project is designed to enhance the architectural, landscape, and public space quality of the area.

The development is expected to create up to 9,000 new jobs and drive economic growth for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region, all while honouring the city’s heritage.

Lendlease director of master planning for Birmingham Smithfield Selina Mason said: “We’re delighted to have achieved full planning approval for our first phase of much-needed new homes alongside spaces that support health and well-being and the local community.

“This is a key milestone that will kick-start the delivery of 3,000 homes for England’s second city – creating jobs, wider opportunities and making Birmingham an even better, lively and welcoming place for people to live and work.

“As the master developer we’re excited about working with investors and partners on Birmingham Smithfield.”

Earlier this month, the Birmingham City Council submitted a planning application for the regeneration of Druids Heath, which includes plans for the delivery of approximately 3,500 new energy-efficient homes in the area.