'I don't think this is right for the city' - Plan to bulldoze Birmingham's Bull Ring Indoor Market is refused

Members of Birmingham City Council’s planning committee unanimously refused the proposal by Hammerson, saying they wanted more assurances the 900-year-old market would have a secure home in the coming years.

There were also concerns the outline application, part of the giant Smithfield city centre development, would result in the creation of hundreds of one-bedroom apartments and harm a conservation area.

The proposed development for the site in Edgbaston Street would provide up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student bedrooms – or any combination of those uses – in the city centre.

Committee chair Councillor Lee Marsham said he had a ‘sleepless night’ prior to Thursday’s (July 3) meeting knowing the application was coming up.

It had previously been deferred on two occasions to allow for further discussions to help find a new home for the market.

Officers said those discussions had been fruitful and resulted in an extension of the council’s lease on the current location from September 2025 to March 2027.

They considered this would enable a temporary home on the former wholesale market before a move into a permanent location on the wider Smithfield development.

Officers also said it was only an outline application, it wasn’t known what the housing type would be and there had been no objections from the conservation officer.

But committee members said they were not convinced the proposal was right for Birmingham.

Councillor Gareth Moore said: “I welcome the extension of the lease until March 2027, but I remain concerned because that doesn’t guarantee a temporary site will be available by March 2027.

“I don’t think we have the guarantees that a 900-year-old market will be continuing.

“If we had more of a concrete plan in terms of delivering that site, I’d be more inclined to support it.

“But bearing in mind the heritage harm and bearing in mind this accommodation which is not in keeping with this city’s needs, that does not not outweigh the potential loss of that market site."

Councillor Marsham said: “I had a sleepless night last night thinking about this application coming to committee today.

“The market has a place in Birmingham’s history. There is a strong case to change the market and make it develop and thrive in new ways in the decades and centuries ahead.

“At the moment, I don’t think this scheme in front of us is the scheme which is right for this city. I don’t say that lightly because I understand the weight of the decision we’re making.

“But I think there is more to do on this application. My challenge to Hammerson is you’ve done really well out of Birmingham with the Bullring.

“You’ve also got another key site in this city which is currently dormant. You’ve been a key strategic partner and we want to continue to be a key strategic partner with you.

“Please continue to work with the city. We need you but you need us as well and we have to get this right. We say this in good faith and as a critical friend, not as an enemy.”