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Plans to bulldoze Birmingham's historic Bull Ring Indoor Market have been approved after a lengthy wrangle. Developer Hammerson's controversial plan, which city planners threw out in July, will see the market building, including its car park, knocked down to make way for up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student digs – or a blend of the two. The ' Edgbaston Street Gardens' project was given the green light after Bullring owner Hammerson successfully appealed the council decision which planners had unanimously turned down. READ MORE: King Charles to visit the West Midlands and public told they can 'greet' His Majesty READ MORE: Date set for critical Bull Ring Indoor Market demolition appeal hearing The authority's planning committee had wanted assurances the market would have a secure home in the near future. After successfully appealing the decision, Hammerson said it had worked with stakeholders to grant an extended lease of the indoor market until late 2027, giving time to consolidate traders to a new single, purpose-built site. The current car park will continue to operate while Hammerson prepares future investment and development plans. Detailed plans will be determined ahead of the start of the demolition in late 2027. Hammerson said the redevelopment would specifically address the city's "needs around housing, the environment, transport and urban regeneration". Edgbaston Street Gardens will diversify and strengthen the city centre, said the firm. Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer at Hammerson, 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.” Plans for the scheme include new green spaces, amenities and commercial uses alongside public realm improvements that further expand and connect key districts in the city centre, including Digbeth and Smithfield. Hammerson recently acquired the remaining 50 per cent of the Bullring and Grand Central. It said this was the first time it had been in single ownership which it claimed underlined its commitment to Birmingham. We have contacted Birmingham City Council for comment.
