Plans to demolish Birmingham’s 900-year-old Bull Ring Indoor Market and build up to 1,544 student bedrooms or 745 residential homes have been rejected by the local authority. 

The proposals, which had been deferred twice, were unanimously turned down by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on 3rd July – something that the site’s owner described as “deeply frustrating”.

The market, located on Edgbaston Street, is owned by property giant Hammerson, is located within the recently approved Smithfield redevelopment plans, with the proposed mixed use development dubbed Edgbaston Street Gardens. Outline plans were designed by Howells architects.

Council documents reveal objections were raised by the Birmingham China Town Business Association over the potential adverse impact of loss of parking on restaurants and retailers, as well as the need for a replacement market.