Bullring has ignited speculation with a social media post promising 'something legendary' is coming to Grand Central Birmingham, six years after John Lewis vacated the space. The announcement, accompanied by photos of newly erected black hoarding covering the former John Lewis frontage above New Street Station, has prompted a flurry of guesses from the public.
Background: The Drum Project and Recent Developments
Just over three years ago, Bullring owner Hammerson announced that The Drum would transform the former John Lewis unit into a mixed-use destination featuring restaurants, bars, a food market, a grocery shop, a gym, wellbeing spaces, and a wildlife garden. However, progress stalled, and in February 2024, Hammerson told BirminghamLive it was 'looking at options' for the space. The appearance of black hoarding on Friday, June 26, 2026, marks the first visible change since then.
Public Speculation: From Mega Greggs to Harrods
Bullring's Facebook post, which reads 'Something legendary is coming to Grand Central Birmingham. Any guesses? Comment below,' has drawn a wide range of suggestions from the public. These include a 'Mega Greggs', Mr Egg, a new home for Oasis market, Big Snobs, The Dome nightclub, Hard Rock Café, an IKEA market hall (with a better range than its previous Birmingham stint), Harrods Birmingham (or 'Arrods' as locals joked), Harvey Nichols, a superstore for The Works (with a perpetual closing-down sale), an Ozzy Osbourne/Sabbath mural, a replacement for B&M's Priory Square store, a return of Woolworths, John Lewis or a similar department store like Debenhams or House of Fraser, the Nightingale club moving in, a giant food hall, C&A, Frasers and Flannels, The Drum, more greasy spoon cafes, a Disney Store, a bowling alley, and a cinema.
Recent Use and Empty Units
In November 2025, part of the former John Lewis space hosted a temporary exhibition celebrating Birmingham author Lee Child, creator of the Jack Reacher series. Meanwhile, several other shops at Grand Central have closed over the past year, leaving multiple empty units available for rent. The hoarding suggests that work may soon begin on the long-awaited transformation.
Official Response and Next Steps
BirminghamLive has contacted Hammerson for comment on the plans for the former John Lewis unit and the timeline for The Drum project. Further updates will be shared as soon as they are announced.
