Bull Ring Indoor Market traders 'given date' for move to temporary site

Traders at the potentially-doomed Bull Ring Indoor Market could be moved into a temporary site if plans to demolish the building go ahead. Workers at the market were recently consulted on a move that could happen as early as 2026, we can reveal.

It comes after Hammerson - which owns the Edgbaston Street site as well as the Bullring shopping centre - lodged a planning application with city planners in September. The firm plans to redevelop the market building into apartments or student accommodation - or a mix of both.

The developers added there would also be new public realm surrounding the site, linking the Bullring to the recently-approved Smithfield development. The firm said its proposals were "designed to compliment" the Smithfield scheme - which also includes proposals for a new market.

READ MORE: Birmingham Bull Ring Indoor Market plans put forward as new details emerge

Birmingham City Council confirmed that it was "assessing temporary options" for "all three markets" in the meantime. The authority said it would be "necessary" but that it would ensure "minimal disruption".

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A trader, who was consulted with colleagues on the plans last week, told BirminghamLive: "We could be moving in 2026 to a temporary site - which would be a unit in the wholesale market area - until the new market is built. It looks like the indoor, rag and outside market could all move together.

"To be honest, everyone is looking forward to the change, as the old market is decaying and old. We're just hoping rent doesn't go up."

A spokesperson for the council told us: "Birmingham City Council and Lendlease are currently assessing temporary market options which could house the markets during the construction period for the new Smithfield markets. The construction of the new food market is scheduled to begin in 2027 on the same site as the existing markets.

"As such, relocation to a temporary site is necessary and will be managed prior to this for traders from all three markets. The exact timing of the closure for each specific market will be communicated well in advance, and we will work with traders to ensure minimal disruption during the relocation."