Hammerson’s strategic plans for new city centre regeneration through the redevelopment of an underutilised carpark have been given the go-ahead. Edgbaston Street Gardens, which is adjacent to Bullring, has the potential to deliver up to 745 apartments or 1,544 student rooms, or a blend of the two. Detailed plans will be determined ahead of the start of demolition in late 2027, with potential construction from 2028 onwards.

The redevelopment specifically addresses Birmingham’s needs around housing, the environment, transport and urban regeneration. Edgbaston Street Gardens will diversify and strengthen the city centre, responding to the demands of Birmingham’s young urban population and meeting a requirement for over 30,000 new homes by 2031. Plans for the scheme include new green spaces, amenities and commercial uses alongside public realm improvements that further expand and connect key districts in the city centre, including Digbeth and Smithfield.

Hammerson has remained a longstanding owner, operator and developer in Birmingham since the late 1990s, including funding and managing the original redevelopment of Bullring. Most recently, Hammerson acquired the remaining 50% of the Bullring and Grand Central. This is the first time it has been in single ownership, underlying Hammerson’s commitment to Birmingham and conviction around the current and future prospects for the city.

Since 2021, Hammerson has repositioned over 400,000 sq ft of retail space in Birmingham, introducing new uses, high-profile brands and regional firsts, including Sephora, Pull&Bear, Space NK and Uniqlo. Alongside a broader range of food and leisure experiences, the Bullring also hosts the largest M&S in the Midlands. This investment has brought customers back to the city as well as the destination, greatly supporting the local economy. Over this summer alone (June to August), the Bullring attracted nearly a million additional visits following a range of new store openings, pop-ups and cultural events.

Harry Badham, Chief Development and Asset Repositioning Officer at Hammerson plc, commented: “This planning consent for Edgbaston Street Gardens is a great outcome given the city’s needs and priorities, especially around housing. As long-term backers of Birmingham, we know the potential growth that is achieved with targeted investment and regeneration. This has been evident through our investment since 2021 in the Bullring itself, and a programme of attracting the best brands and experiences to the city. This is all underpinned by our core belief in cities as engines of growth, which resonates across our portfolio.”

Hammerson has worked in coordination with local stakeholders to grant an extended lease of the indoor market until late 2027, allowing time to consolidate the markets to a new single, purpose-built market. The current car park will continue to operate over this time whilst Hammerson prepares the future investment and development plans with the potential to start in early 2028.

ENDS