Traders fear for future of city market
BIRMINGHAM’S Bull Ring Indoor Market could collapse within two years, worried traders have warned.
They say the negative impact of ‘years of poor management’, a lack of investment and never-ending redevelopment works around the city centre will be compounded by the introduction of a clean air zone from 2020.
Drivers of older cars are set to be charged to enter the city centre area.
With competition from loss-leading supermarkets and family financial pressures, traders are increasingly worried for the future of the city’s 852-year-old markets.
In recent years, they have been hit by the redevelopment of New Street and Grand Central, the closing down of the top end of Hurst Street and the shifting of many bus services.
Paradise Queensway’s year from September 3 more traffic accessibility city.
Sean Uzell, chairman of the Indoor Tenants’ Association, said the current economic adversity meant the market should actually be booming – if only the city council would invest in its infrastructure, make rents and other charges fairer and do some promotional work.
“Markets are all about shoppers and businesses coming together and knowing we can offer a good service at a price where we can make a living,” he said. closure for a has brought issues to the
“A market is also about the experience – convenience, an environment you feel safe in, and something you will tell your friends about.
“But the overheads (compared with the amount of trade we currently have) are ridiculous, they just aren’t realistic now.”
City historian Prof Carl Chinn said: “This situation has been coming for a long time and the council needs to do something quickly.
“There’s a feeling among many people that if the elite of Birmingham want-
This situation has been coming for a long time and the council needs to do something quickly Prof Carl Chinn
ed markets they would invest in them like other cities and boroughs have done.”
The Bull Ring market dates back to 1166 when Peter de Birmingham obtained a market charter from Henry II.
A city council spokesman said: “Birmingham City Council continues to support all traders in ensuring vibrant markets are maintained, especially as we transition to the new Smithfield Development where markets will remain a vital part of the offer.”