Birmingham indoor market, where tradition meets innovation, but at what cost? Every week, Frank, an 80-year-old Walsall resident, travels to Edgbaston Street car park to buy his beloved cockles. "There's no place like this," he says, echoing the sentiments of many who cherish this Birmingham institution.
Dating back to 1166, the market has been a hub for trade and culture in the city. With its eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to fabric, it is a melting pot where communities come together. However, plans to demolish the market and replace it with housing have sparked concerns among traders and shoppers alike.
The market's current iteration has existed since 2003, but recent changes in footfall and stall numbers have left many worried about its future. Social historian Carl Chinn believes that the markets are an integral part of Birmingham's identity, saying "Without the markets there would never have been a Birmingham." Traders, including fifth-generation shellfish seller Greg Pearce, agree that renovation is needed, but some feel that the council has not communicated effectively enough.
As the market prepares to close its doors in 2027, concerns about relocation and increased rents for traders weigh heavily on minds. "They're going to build nice buildings, but what happens to us?" asks Lorraine Wooton, a 13-year veteran of the market as a hairstylist. The anxiety is palpable, with many wondering who the new market will cater to and whether it will capture the same essence as the current one.
The proposed redevelopment at Smithfield promises improved facilities and a commitment to preserving the markets' legacy. However, for some Brummies, the decision to demolish their beloved market feels like a loss of community spirit. As Marcia Philbin, who grew up visiting the market with her parents, poignantly puts it: "It was an occasion, something you don't have nowadays."
As Birmingham's market prepares for its uncertain future, the question remains: what will be left behind when the old is gone? Will innovation and progress reignite the markets' spark, or will this much-loved institution fade into memory?
Dating back to 1166, the market has been a hub for trade and culture in the city. With its eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to fabric, it is a melting pot where communities come together. However, plans to demolish the market and replace it with housing have sparked concerns among traders and shoppers alike.
The market's current iteration has existed since 2003, but recent changes in footfall and stall numbers have left many worried about its future. Social historian Carl Chinn believes that the markets are an integral part of Birmingham's identity, saying "Without the markets there would never have been a Birmingham." Traders, including fifth-generation shellfish seller Greg Pearce, agree that renovation is needed, but some feel that the council has not communicated effectively enough.
As the market prepares to close its doors in 2027, concerns about relocation and increased rents for traders weigh heavily on minds. "They're going to build nice buildings, but what happens to us?" asks Lorraine Wooton, a 13-year veteran of the market as a hairstylist. The anxiety is palpable, with many wondering who the new market will cater to and whether it will capture the same essence as the current one.
The proposed redevelopment at Smithfield promises improved facilities and a commitment to preserving the markets' legacy. However, for some Brummies, the decision to demolish their beloved market feels like a loss of community spirit. As Marcia Philbin, who grew up visiting the market with her parents, poignantly puts it: "It was an occasion, something you don't have nowadays."
As Birmingham's market prepares for its uncertain future, the question remains: what will be left behind when the old is gone? Will innovation and progress reignite the markets' spark, or will this much-loved institution fade into memory?
. I mean, can you believe it's been around since 1166?! 
It's like, where did all that time go? Anyway, I think it's sad to hear that they're planning to demolish it and replace it with housing. I get that progress is important, but do we really need to lose the heart of a city in the process? 
The market feels like such an integral part of Birmingham's identity – it's like, what will be left behind when it's gone? 
On the other hand, I guess the new redevelopment at Smithfield could bring some nice improvements and help preserve the markets' legacy. Fingers crossed that they can strike a balance between progress and community spirit! 
. I mean, can you imagine a Birmingham without its amazing market scene? 
It's like losing a part of our history and culture, ya know? 
I've heard the proposed redevelopment at Smithfield sounds promising, but what if it loses that authentic, community vibe? 
Those traders and sellers are more than just businesses - they're the heart of our city! 
And for 80-year-old Frank to travel all the way from Walsall just to buy his beloved cockles... it's just heartbreaking 
. Can't we find a way to preserve the best of both worlds? 
Innovation and progress are awesome, but let's not sacrifice our heritage in the process! 
? It's like trying to picture Brum without balti curries (not that I'd want to). The thought of demolition is just... ugh, okay let's not get too worked up about it 
. On the bright side, who doesn't love a good renovation? Maybe this new and improved market will be like the one my grandparents used to take me to back in the day 
... or maybe not, idk lol. The thing is, I'm sure whatever happens next, it'll all come together just fine 
... probably.
It's like, community spirit and all that jazz. Renovating it would be awesome, but not if it means losing what makes it special 
. Fingers crossed that the council can find a way to make it work... we don't wanna lose our beloved market 
I mean, it's not like they can just leave a 900-year-old institution to wither away... but at the same time, can't we just let tradition take a backseat for once? 
It's always about progress and innovation, right? But what about the people who actually make this market tick? The little guy Greg Pearce has been selling cockles since he was a kid, and now his livelihood is being put at risk. 
Meanwhile, I'm sure the new "improved facilities" will be totally Instagrammable... but what about the soul of the place? 
is just heartbreaking. I mean, where else can you get those delicious cockles in Edgbaston? 
It's like they're talking about demolishing a piece of Birmingham's soul. As much as I get what they're trying to do with the redevelopment (new facilities and all that), it feels like we're losing a part of our cultural heritage for some shiny new housing development 
.
We shouldn't be trading community spirit for shiny new buildings and fancy facilities. 
The market's been a part of Birmingham's identity for so long – it's not just about footfall or stall numbers; it's about what makes this place special. Can we really recreate that with some fancy redevelopment? I don't think so.