Demolition Underway at Priory Square in Birmingham
Demolition work has officially begun on the former Priory Square shopping centre in Birmingham, signalling the conclusion of a significant chapter for the local neighbourhood. This development follows an 11-month period of vacancy after the centre was abruptly closed in March 2025.
End of an Iconic Community Hub
Priory Square, often referred to locally as The Square, was a cherished destination that housed the renowned Oasis Market. This market served as the heart of Birmingham's alternative community for an impressive 54 years, alongside various other shops and restaurants that contributed to the area's vibrant character.
The closure occurred with little warning, as traders were given only hours to evacuate on March 25, 2025. Property developer Hammerson cited a high fire safety risk as the primary reason, stating that necessary improvements were materially beyond what is reasonably practical to implement.
Safety Concerns and Site Securing
Hammerson emphasised that the decision to close Priory Square indefinitely was made with public safety as the utmost priority. An annual fire risk assessment revealed issues requiring extensive electrical system upgrades, which would have necessitated vacating the site for a prolonged duration.
Since the closure, the site has remained empty and secured. This week, staff in high-visibility jackets have been observed on location alongside construction equipment, confirming the start of demolition activities.
Future Plans and Council Dialogue
A spokesperson for Hammerson confirmed the commencement of demolition works, noting ongoing discussions with Birmingham City Council regarding next steps. The company has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Attention now turns to the broader Martineau Galleries development project, which received backing from Birmingham City Council in 2020. However, details about the future of the site have been scarce since then, leaving many awaiting further announcements on redevelopment plans.
The demolition of Priory Square marks a poignant moment for Birmingham, closing a chapter on a beloved community space while raising questions about the area's future transformation.
