Our Birmingham Journey

Sidell Gibson were appointed by Railtrack some fifteen years ago to prepare a master plan for Snowhill (Phase 1 and 2, Phase 3)  - on studying the area we were excited by the prospect of creating pedestrian routes through a variety of neighbourhoods including the historic gun and jewellery quarters.

Working with Ballymore Properties we have now completed the design for the whole estate,  the first two buildings are occupied by global companies. The last (and largest) is about to start on site. The Metro tramline which forms an integral part of the master plan is now running and enhances the vibrancy of the new public realm.

In helping to create this necklace of linked neighbourhoods Snowhill - and Birmingham in general, is emerging as a viable alternative to London;

"Birmingham is now competing on a global scale for investment, talent and tourism, rivalling not just London but cities across Europe and beyond"

Deloitte Senior Partner - Birmingham Post

We are proud to have been an integral part of Birmingham's "Big City Plan", though of course without Birmingham's planning authorities and their 'can do' and 'will do' approach none of this would have been possible.

The challenge with Snowhill now is how to further utilise this remarkable location - this vibrant confluence of road, Metro, rail and gateway to the city.

Looking at the larger site and the station there is an opportunity for a grand master plan for the whole Snowhill area - with HS2 hoving into view the opportunity is very real and must be realised soon - our work in Snowhill is only the beginning -

“The Snow Hill Master plan provides a bold and exciting proposal for how Birmingham can continue to grow its thriving business and professional services sector. With time, we want the city to replicate the success of Canary Wharf, with areas like the Snow Hill district forming the cornerstone of this vision."

 Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council – Marketing Birmingham