Plans for the Bull Ring market redevelopment could bring new apartments and student housing to Birmingham
Birmingham: Last year, folks were pretty shocked to hear that a historic market building in Birmingham might be torn down. Traders were left feeling anxious about their futures when they found out in September that the Bull Ring Indoor Market on Edgbaston Street could be redeveloped.
Shoppers were also sad about the thought of losing the market, which has been a part of the city for so long. A planning application later revealed that the new development could include up to 745 apartments or 1,544 student bedrooms, or a mix of both.
If the plans get the green light, there would also be commercial spaces, parking for cars and bikes, and even a private courtyard and rooftop terraces. When traders got the news, they quickly started wondering how it would affect them and what their future might look like.
A report from a council officer this week gave more insight into what might happen to the market traders if the plans go ahead. It emphasized the importance of understanding the council’s broader plans for markets in the city center. The report mentioned that there are proposals for a temporary market on a nearby site.
The idea is to move indoor market traders to this new facility, which should be up and running by the end of 2026. Most traders currently have leases that last until September 2027, so there should be enough time for a smooth transition.
Looking ahead, the report pointed out that the big Smithfield scheme could play a crucial role in the long-term plans. This project aims to transform the old Birmingham wholesale market site and includes plans for a new market building.
According to the report, the hope is that traders will eventually move into this new permanent market building on the Smithfield site. It was also noted that the existing market building, built in the early 2000s, doesn’t have any special architectural value, so there are no major concerns about losing it.
Hammerson, the company behind the site and the planning application, spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service last year. Harry Badham, their chief development officer, assured that they would work closely with the city council on the timelines for both this project and the Smithfield development.
When asked about keeping market traders updated, Mr. Badham said they would definitely make sure to communicate with stakeholders throughout the planning process. He acknowledged concerns about losing the historic market in Birmingham, emphasizing the importance of markets in the city’s retail landscape.
He mentioned that they want to work with the markets to make them a key part of Birmingham’s city center. The proposals aim to enhance the city and provide new homes and green spaces that align with the city’s growth goals.
The council officer’s report concluded that the proposed development would deliver a high-quality mixed-use scheme on previously used land. It would enhance the area’s character without negatively impacting nearby heritage sites and would not significantly affect the living conditions of nearby residents.
Plus, the development could significantly increase the housing supply in the city. The planning application is set to be reviewed at a meeting next Thursday, January 16, after being recommended for approval, pending a legal agreement.
