Sutton Coldfield Market Village Closes Abruptly Following Owner Liquidation
In a devastating blow to the local community, Sutton Coldfield's Market Village indoor market has been forced to shut its doors with immediate effect. The sudden closure comes after the market's owning company, Sutton Coldfield Investments Limited, entered into liquidation, leaving approximately 15 independent traders scrambling to collect their belongings and vacate the premises within a matter of hours.
Traders Given Mere Hours to Vacate Historic Market Site
Traders operating from the South Parade market were handed a shock notice on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, informing them they had until 3.30pm that same day to clear their units. The abrupt announcement left many longstanding businesses, some of which had been operating from the site for decades, in complete bewilderment and distress.
The liquidation letter distributed to traders stated: "I write to formally advise you that the above company is facing insolvency in circumstances where it has not been in a position to continue to pay its debts as they fall due. In such circumstances, the company is unable to continue to trade." The document confirmed the market would close permanently from that afternoon.
Decades of Business History Erased Overnight
Among the affected businesses was Watch Services, operated by Melanie Roach for nearly 25 years. "It's devastating. We had no warning," she revealed. "They didn't even give me a letter – I read it on another trader's letter. I have hundreds of customers' watches, watches at workshops and stock coming in. We are always busy."
Roach expressed particular distress about the personal connections severed by the closure: "Do you know the most horrible thing? I have been here that long that a lot of the customers are my friends. It's like I have been cut with a knife."
Appetite's Café, another market stalwart operating in Sutton for 25 years, also faced sudden closure. A staff member commented: "We are in shock at the moment. If anyone can come in and take over that would be great. A lot of businesses have been here for 20, 30, 40 years. We have been doing a really good trade. It's absolutely heartbreaking."
Community Reacts with Shock and Support
The emotional impact extended beyond traders to their loyal customers, with many reportedly in tears upon hearing the news. Elyas Matinm, who ran Royal Stitch tailoring at the market since 2009, described the scene: "Most of the people are crying. Some of them nearly had heart attacks. People have families, children, outgoings, debts and mortgages. Some have been here more than 20 years."
Michelle Baker, manager of Sutton Coldfield BID (Business Improvement District), expressed sadness at the development: "We're really saddened to share that Sutton Coldfield Indoor Market Village on South Parade has today gone into administration and will close this afternoon. Tenants were only informed today."
Baker confirmed efforts were underway to explore potential relocation options, stating: "We have contacted landlords, including Birmingham City Council and the Gracechurch Centre, to explore whether the indoor market could be relocated, and we have offered our support to help coordinate this if possible."
Market Operator Confirms Sutton-Specific Liquidation
Geraud Markets UK Ltd, which operates the Sutton indoor market alongside other locations in Stratford, Glasgow and Perry Barr, confirmed the Sutton market was 'in liquidation' but noted its other sites remained unaffected. The situation bears striking resemblance to the closure of the Market Village in Perry Barr's One Stop Shopping Centre in January 2024, where approximately 30 traders were affected before the market revived about a month later following intervention from shopping centre owners.
The affected Sutton Coldfield businesses include:
- Appetites Café – home-cooked food
- Rewind Vintage Toys – collectable toys
- Royal Stitch Tailors – clothing alterations
- 2Ahead – hairdressers
- S&B Zone Cut – barbers
- Watch Services – batteries & repairs
- Safa's Brow Bar
- Annie's Nails
- Ben's World – Pokémon cards
- Global Mobiles – phone & laptop repair
Baker emphasised the significance of these establishments to the local economy: "These businesses are a real part of Sutton Coldfield's independent scene, and we know many residents will be shocked and disappointed by this news." The business community now awaits updates on potential solutions for the displaced traders who have contributed to Sutton Coldfield's commercial landscape for generations.
