Council pledges support for indoor market traders

Developers want to demolish Birmingham's Bull Ring Indoor Market for housing

Traders at a historic indoor market must be supported as they face an uncertain future, council leaders have said.

City council planners recently refused plans for Birmingham's Bull Ring Indoor Market, which would have provided up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student bedrooms – or any combination of those uses.

The plans also would have seen the indoor market building demolished to make way for the new homes, along with new public realm works and commercial space. Developer Hammerson said it was appealing against the decision.

Fears over what could happen to the market traders was a recurring issue at three council planning meetings this year.

Following the decision to refuse the proposals last month, Hammerson confirmed it was pursuing an appeal – meaning further uncertainty over the building's future.

The council said there were plans for a temporary market on the former wholesale market site, ahead of a move to a new permanent market building on the Smithfield scheme site.

It also said that the lease on the current indoor market would be extended until 2027, which bosses said would provide the necessary time to provide the temporary market.

Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the Labour-run council, said she felt the authority should make a commitment to providing business support for the traders, a view echoed by council leader John Cotton.

'Best chance'

"I think two years is sufficient," said Ms Thompson.

"But the council needs to make sure that market stall holders are given [business] support within that two-year period, so when they go to their permanent home, they have got the best possible chance, individually as businesses, for sustainability."

Council officers said a review of the lease would provide "stability" for the traders amid hopes the Smithfield scheme would provide a permanent home.

The property cabinet committee agreed to the authority entering a new lease.

The council previously said it had a plan, described as a "credible pathway" to providing for the future of the markets as well as support for the traders.

Those behind the planning proposals said its benefits would include new housing, the potential of creating a "gateway" development, public realm enhancements and the use of brownfield land.

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This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.