Calls to demolish Wholesale Markets quickly
CITY planners have called for the Birmingham Wholesale Markets to be demolished quickly to make way for major public events and exhibitions.
The vast 34-acre site is set to be redeveloped with offices, flats, markets, a public square and small park as part of the wideranging Smithfield masterplan.
But redevelopment could take years and while the city waits for investors to come forward, members of the planning committee said they would like to see it used as a public open space.
The call came as the councillors backed demolition of the huge 1974 markets, built in 1974.
Councillor Gareth Moore (Cons, Erdington) said: “I think it is important that whilst we wait for Smithfield to get up and running, we demolish it as soon as possible. This would create a massive open space which could be utilised in the interim for a number of events in the city.”
He was backed by Coun Tahir Ali (Lab, Nechells), the council’s former development chief, who added that a number of major cycling events, which start and finish in the city centre could use the site.
“It is big enough. It will provide a public square and park. There are things which could be put in place after demolition while Smithfield happens.”
The committee members were keen to have the ugly Wholesale Markets demolished, rather than boarded up and left derelict. Market traders are due to move to a brand new facility at Witton later this year.
Committee members have previously complained that the linear park being offered in the Smithfield masterplan is too small and urged the council to look at it again.
Potential uses site are: Outdoor concert venue Drive-in cinema Cycle skateboard track Pop-up shops and markets Shoreditch-style Boxpark Five-a-side football pitches Allotments for the 34-acre