In some form or another, people have been selling their wares at the Bull Ring for over 900 years. But the future of Birmingham’s iconic markets doesn’t look great. Approval has been granted to bulldoze the historic Bull Ring Indoor Market—containing one of the UK’s largest fish markets, as well as fresh meat, exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing and a variety of household goods
Constructed in the early 2000s, the 5-storey building on Edgbaston Street contains approximately 38 market stalls, of which 23 sell fresh produce, and also has a multi-storey car park above. It is owned by the property company Hammerson (who also own Bullring & Grand Central), while the market and car park are Council-run.
Hammerson will tear down the Bull Ring site to either build up to 745 flats, or 1,544 student bedrooms, possibly a combination of the two. Construction wouldn’t begin until 2028, however, with stall holder leases running until late 2027 (when demolition would begin). Hammerson submitted its proposal three times to the Birmingham City Council before approval.
The Council was keen that “the loss of the indoor market not take place until a replacement is available.” It’s believed a permanent market will be one of the first buildings at the Smithfield development—accommodating the indoor market, rag market and open market. A temporary market will be provided by the Council to accommodate the market traders until a permanent site is available.
Harry Badham, Chief Development and Asset Repositioning Officer at Hammerson plc, said: “This planning consent for Edgbaston Street Gardens 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. This is all underpinned by our core belief in cities as engines of growth, which resonates across our portfolio.”