Decision on future of historic Birmingham indoor markets pushed back

There were shockwaves among Brummies last year when traders at the historic market were warned the site in Edgbaston Street could be redeveloped.

According to a planning application submitted by Hammerson, the proposed development could provide up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student bedrooms – or any combination of these uses.

Commercial space, car and cycle parking, new public realm works, a private central courtyard and roof-top terraces would also be provided.

During a planning committee meeting today, January 16, councillor Gareth Moore said he was concerned by the loss of the market building despite plans to construct a temporary market to accommodate the traders.

“Whilst there are plans in place to replace [the market], they are not concrete,” he said.

“I’m really concerned that if we approve this, we’re going to lose the indoor market and there is no guarantee that will be replaced in a historic part of the city.

“There’s been markets in the very heart of Birmingham for this city’s entire existence.

“So I am concerned about the loss of that asset and I don’t think we can even consider demolition until there’s a guarantee that asset will be replaced.”

Cllr Jane Jones added: “My major concern is for the market traders themselves.

“I’m very worried what’s going to happen to the traders – I don’t think we should move ahead until they’ve got somewhere to move into.”

On the loss of the existing indoor market building, a council officer’s report published ahead of the meeting said it was “critical” to understand the council’s wider plans for markets in the city centre.

“Plans have been proposed over the short to medium term, which include the construction of a temporary market on the former wholesale market site,” it stated.

“The intention is for indoor market traders to be decanted to the new facility.

“The proposed new temporary market should be fully operational by the end of 2026 at the latest.

“It is important to note that the majority of traders within the existing indoor market have leases that run until September 2027.”

It went on to say that this should ensure there is plenty of time for a “smooth transition” to the new temporary market.

When it comes to a longer-term solution, the report pointed to the recently-approved Smithfield scheme, a huge project which is set to transform the former Birmingham wholesale market site and includes proposals for a new market.

“It is hoped that traders will move into the new permanent market building, which will be provided on the wider Smithfield site,” it said.

“It is therefore clear that the proposed development would not have any adverse impact on the provision of market facilities.”

Nick Jackson, area planning manager, acknowledged during the meeting that the delivery of the temporary and replacement permanent markets is “contingent on securing funding”.

“I can’t give you a cast-iron guarantee of exactly when the temporary market, if there is going to temporary, and the permanent will be built,” he later said. “But the timescales with the leases and discussions we’ve had with the Smithfield developer all indicate that it is possible and likely.”

Hammerson, who owns the site, previously spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service last September amid concerns over the loss of the historic market building.

“The city’s plan on how to consolidate the markets have been a key part of planning Smithfield,” he said.

“We want to work with the markets and consolidate the markets as a key node that sits on the Birmingham city centre map and integrates and reinforces what we do in the Bullring”.

He said in a later statement: “These outline proposals at Edgbaston Street for a highly underused car park show the opportunity to work with Birmingham City Council and other stakeholders to enhance the city and bring new homes and landscaping that meet the aspirations of the city’s growth and its public realm.”

The report added that the “agreed parameters” would ensure the development enhances the character of the area without harming the setting of any nearby heritage assets.

Cllr David Barker, chair of the planning committee, acknowledged: “It looks to be a good project in many ways.”

But amid the concerns raised during the meeting, the committee ultimately decided to defer the decision on the plans to get further reassurance about ‘timescales’.

It means the future of the market will be decided at a later stage.