Decision delayed on demolition of historic markets for major redevelopment

Councillors have delayed a decision on the proposed demolition of the Bull Ring’s Indoor Market and Edgbaston Street Car Park, citing the need for reassurances about market relocation plans and delivery timelines.

Hammerson’s outline proposal for ‘Edgbaston Street Gardens’ seeks flexible approval for either: a fully residential development with up to 745 units, a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) with up to 1,544 beds, or a hybrid of the two, not exceeding 1,544 units in total.

Both the market and car park would be demolished to make way for the scheme, which would link with the broader Smithfield Masterplan and improve connectivity between Bullring, Grand Central, St. Martin’s Church, and Upper Dean Street.

The Bull Ring’s indoor fish market dates back to the 1800s, with a range of fish, fruit and vegetables on offer.

Hammerson says it has aligned the application with the Birmingham Smithfield Masterplan, which looked to relocate and consolidate the markets in the northeastern section of the site. It cites Lendlease’s £1.9 billion Smithfield regeneration project, which has already secured approval for a new building to replace the demolished Bull Ring Indoor and Rag Markets.

However, councillors raised concerns about delivering temporary and permanent market facilities on the site of the city’s former wholesale market.

A report highlighted the “critical” need for clarity on the market plans. It outlined that a proposed temporary market should be operational by the end of 2026, giving traders time to relocate twice first to the temporary facility, and then to a permanent home at Smithfield.

Lendlease secured approval for its £1.9bn Smithfield regeneration scheme in June and is now set to deliver 82,000 sq m of office space, 3,079 apartments and 44,000 sq m of retail space.

Plans include a new home for the city’s historic Bull Ring markets, and new leisure and cultural spaces, including a festival square and landscaped park.

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