Demolition work has commenced on Priory Square shopping centre in Birmingham, following the abrupt closure of all 30 businesses inside with just one hour's notice in March 2025. The centre, which housed hair salons, B&M, eateries, and the iconic Oasis Market, was shut down after an annual fire risk assessment revealed significant safety issues.
Property company Hammerson, which owns the site, stated that the closure was necessary to prioritise the health and safety of tenants and the public. The required remedial work, including upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, was deemed "materially beyond what is reasonably practical to implement." Traders were told to vacate immediately, leaving the complex vacant.
Hammerson has now confirmed that demolition is underway. Former shop facades have been stripped away, and workers in high-visibility gear have been spotted on site alongside construction machinery. A spokesperson said: "Since closing Priory Square last year, we have secured the site and have started the demolition works. We remain in dialogue with Birmingham City Council on next steps."
Priory Square was once a vital hub in the neighbourhood, with the Oasis Market serving as the heart of Birmingham's alternative scene for 54 years before its closure. Hammerson indicated that the building would have needed to remain empty for a prolonged period to upgrade the electrical system, making demolition the only viable option.
