Championing inclusive regeneration at Smithfield Birmingham

We’re proud to share that our Director of Strategic Design and Masterplanning, Selina Mason, has contributed to a new feature by the RIBA Practice team exploring how architects and planners can support community longevity during urban regeneration—specifically in the context of Birmingham’s historic gay village.

Published during Pride month, the article reflects on how inclusive design principles can help ensure that longstanding LGBTQ+ communities not only survive but thrive amid significant redevelopment. Selina highlights Lendlease’s work at Smithfield Birmingham, which aims to integrate rather than displace the surrounding communities, including the vibrant Southside district.

Speaking on the importance of safe, active, and welcoming spaces, Selina outlines key ambitions for the project: creating round-the-clock activity, fostering cultural and economic vibrancy, and ensuring that development enables the gay village to feel both connected and empowered to expand.

“The sign of success,” she notes, “would be to see the gay village feeling that it has the freedom to expand and so become more stable and sustainable.”

The article also explores broader lessons for architects, including the importance of designing for safety, flexibility, and community-led development, all grounded in the core principles of inclusive design.

Read the full RIBA article here.