Indoor market's fate 'sealed'

Controversial flats back on agenda as plans recommended for approval

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

THE fate of Birmingham's Bull Ring Indoor Market could be sealed this week after plans to demolish it are set to be considered for a third time.

Developers revealed last year that they wanted to bulldoze the building to make way for housing.

The development of the Edgbaston Street site would provide up to 745 apartments or up to 1,544 student bedrooms in the city centre.

The plans also include public realm works, a private central court yard and roof-top terraces as well as commercial space.

But concerns for the market traders have been regulalry voiced at council planning meetings this year.

A report previously stated they could move into a temporary market on the former wholesale market site, then be housed in permanent building on the wider Smithfield site.

An update ahead of a planning meeting in February said there had been “notable progress” on the Smithfield plans, adding it provided a “greater level of certainty over future market provision”.