Birmingham market demolition plans could ‘put 900 years of history at risk’
Plans to demolish the Bull Ring Indoor Market building in Birmingham city centre have sparked fears that “900 years’ worth of history” could be put at risk.
The controversial proposals for the site will see the historic market building replaced by up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student bedrooms – or a blend of the two.
There was deep concern among residents and shoppers last year when it was revealed that the building faces being bulldozed as well as anxiousness among the traders.
Those behind the Edgbaston Street Gardens scheme have said there are plans for new green spaces, amenities and commercial uses alongside public realm improvements.
But concerns over what could happen to the market traders have been a recurring theme at council planning meetings this year, despite plans to provide replacement markets for them.
The council’s planning committee voted to refuse the proposals in July but developers Hammerson went on to launch a successful appeal, meaning the scheme is now set to go ahead.
At a full council meeting, Conservative councillor Gareth Moore asked the planning committee chair what action was being taken to ensure the historic market doesn’t disappear from Birmingham.
“Hammerson were unfortunately successful in their appeal against the city council’s decision to refuse the application for the indoor market site,” he said.
“It was something I was very concerned about, particularly its impact for the almost 900-year-old market that’s been operating on the site.
“Given that appeal has been successful, can the chair outline what steps are being taken to ensure the market continues to trade and that almost 900 years’ worth of history does not end?”
Labour councillor Lee Marsham, chair of the planning committee, acknowledged the indoor market “means a lot” to Birmingham.
“There is cabinet approval for transition arrangements for the market,” he said. “Myself, and I’m sure the rest of the planning committee, will be holding them to account to ensure these markets trade in our city for many more years to come.”
Amid the concerns over the traders’ futures, Birmingham City Council has previously insisted that there are plans for a temporary market on the former wholesale market site.
It added that this would be ahead of the transition into a new permanent market building on the site of the Smithfield scheme, a huge city centre regeneration project approved last year.
Hammerson also confirmed this month that it has worked with local stakeholders to grant an extended lease of the indoor market until late 2027.
This would allow time to “consolidate the markets to a new single, purpose-built market”, it said.
Following the successful appeal, Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer at Hammerson, said: “This planning consent is a great outcome given the city’s needs and priorities, especially around housing.
“As long-term backers of Birmingham, we know the potential growth that is achieved with targeted investment and regeneration.”
“This has been evident through our investment since 2021 in the Bullring itself and a programme of attracting the best brands and experiences to the city.”
In its latest update, Hammerson said that detailed plans will be determined ahead of the start of demolition in late 2027, with potential construction from 2028 onwards.
