Plans to demolish indoor market approved

Birmingham Indoor Market will be knocked down to create housing in the city centre

Plans to demolish a key indoor market in Birmingham have been approved.

The Bull Ring site, on Edgbaston Street, will be demolished to make way for up to 745 flats, or 1,544 student bedrooms - or a blend of the two.

Construction of the site would begin in 2028, with the start of the demolition planned for late 2027, said Hammerson on Thursday.

The property giant, which owns the site, said it had worked with local stakeholders to grant an extended lease of the indoor market until late 2027.

Proposals were submitted three times to Birmingham City Council before they were recommended for approval in June.

The market is located on the ground floor of Edgbaston Street Car Park, which is also owned by Hammerson. It is run by the council, and it provides traders with their leases.

The plan will see traders relocate into a new permanent building within the wider development site at Smithfield.

Hammerson previously said the plans could enhance the city and provide landscaping "that meet the aspirations of the city's growth"

Hammerson said the current car park will continue to operate while it prepares the development plans.

Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer at Hammerson, said the planning approval was a great outcome given the city's housing needs.

He said: "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."