Hammerson has opened its proposals for the £300m demolition and redevelopment of Birmingham’s Bull Ring up to public consultation.
The developer submitted a detailed planning application this week, with a decision expected in early 1997. Director John Dodds anticipates work starting on site next year with completion scheduled for Easter 2001.
The proposals include:
- a new shopping centre on three levels, including two department stores
- a market complex south of Edgbaston Street, including a new Indoor Market and the refurbishment of the Rag Market and Open Markets
- a 15-bay bus station
- parking for 3,000 cars
- a new road linking Moor Street to Digbeth via Park Street
- direct pedestrian access from the High Street to the new centre
- the refurbishment of the bridge link to the Pallasades
- a direct pedestrian route from the High Street to the new markets south of Edgbaston Street
- improvements to the pedestrian links to New Street and Moor Street Stations.
Council Leader Theresa Stewart welcomed the proposals. She said: “We need more department stores and other new shops to secure Birmingham’s future as the Regional Centre and to match the other improvements in the City Centre in recent years. The Bull Ring proposals will sweep away the subways and concrete.”
Birmingham has only one department store at present – the Rackhams unit on Corporation Street. However, Beatties, John Lewis, Debenhams and Selfridges all plan to open a department store in the City.
EGi News 11/11/96
