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Bullring and Markets

Overview Bullring and Markets Quarter

 The Bullring and Markets Quarter is an area of central Birmingham in the Nechells ward. It is named after a cattle market that was once held there. The surrounding areas are Digbeth, Southside and the Retail Quarter.

The Bullring was the centre of pre-industrial Birmingham and the location of its parish church, moated manor, fairs and markets.  As Birmingham expanded, rival markets were established elsewhere in the town and the authorities found it difficult to tax and control trade. They responded by concentrating all market activity in the Bullring which was cleared of housing.

For many years the Bullring was dominated by a vast neo-classical market hall that was designed by Charles Edge in 1835 and damaged beyond repair during the Blitz. It was demolished in 1964 and replaced by a brutalist indoor shopping mall and basement market.

The Bullring was redeveloped yet again in 2000-2003 as twin shopping malls were constructed amidst pedestrian squares, south-facing terraces, landscaped pathways and street architecture. The markets were re-housed, the church was refurbished and Selfridges built a futuristic aluminium-studded department store.