Demolition Underway at Priory Square as Martineau Galleries Project Advances
Demolition work has officially begun at The Square, commonly known as Priory Square, in Birmingham, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of the site. This follows the closure of businesses eleven months ago due to fire safety concerns, with owner Hammerson now progressing plans for the Martineau Galleries project.
Background on the Martineau Galleries Development
First granted planning consent by Birmingham City Council in January 2020, Martineau Galleries is envisioned as a 7.5-acre mixed-use development. The project includes up to 1,300 homes, 140,000 square meters of workspace, cafes, restaurants, a new city centre hotel, and public realm improvements such as a square and boulevard. It is designed to serve as a signature gateway to Birmingham from the Curzon Street HS2 terminal.
Closure and Demolition Timeline
In March 2025, Hammerson closed Priory Square indefinitely after a fire hazard assessment deemed safety improvements impracticable. This led to the loss of iconic venues like the 54-year-old Oasis Market, the Grey Lantern pub, Ngopi coffee shop, and stores including B&M, British Heart Foundation, and Subway. By July 2025, Hammerson had secured vacant possession of the site, with demolition starting in early 2026 as anticipated.
Hammerson's Financial Insights and Project Timeline
Hammerson's full-year results for 2025, published in February 2026, provide clues about the future of Martineau Galleries. The company's pipeline update categorizes projects into near-term (three years), medium-term (three to five years), and long-term (more than five years). Martineau Galleries is listed in the long-term category, suggesting completion may not occur until after 2031.
When contacted by BirminghamLive, Hammerson confirmed the chart is indicative and subject to factors like planning approvals, stakeholder appetite, feasibility, and funding. The company noted that some phases are underway, but future phases could extend the timeline to the five-year mark, with potential for acceleration depending on council approval and other conditions.
Hammerson's Broader Birmingham Portfolio
Hammerson has strengthened its presence in Birmingham, acquiring full control of Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres in August 2025 for £319 million. These assets, along with Martineau Galleries, form Hammerson's Birmingham Estate. The full-year report highlights Bullring's standout performance, with footfall up 5% in 2025 and 98% occupancy, featuring recent launches from brands like M&S, Zara, Sephora, and JD Sports.
Implications for Birmingham
Two key takeaways emerge from Hammerson's reports and statements. First, Martineau Galleries remains a major component of the company's growth strategy, with CEO Rob Wilkinson expressing excitement about the next phase of development. Second, while the project is advancing, exact completion dates for this signature gateway remain uncertain, leaving Birmingham residents to await further updates as demolition continues and plans evolve.
