Nearly a year has passed since tenants were ordered to vacate The Square—better known as Priory Square—after a fire hazard assessment deemed the site unsafe. Since then, details about the future of this central Birmingham location have been scarce.
The site, owned by Hammerson, began demolition last month, marking the first visible step toward the highly anticipated Martineau Galleries development. Although Hammerson has been tight-lipped about the project’s progress, analysis of their 2025 financial results offers some new insights into the timeline ahead.
The Martineau Galleries plan was granted initial approval in January 2020. The 7.5-acre redevelopment envisions up to 1,300 homes, 140,000 square meters of workspace, and a host of amenities including cafes, restaurants, a hotel, and revitalized public spaces. Positioned as a “signature gateway” from the Curzon Street HS2 terminal, this project aims to reshape Birmingham’s city centre.
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In 2023, the West Midlands Combined Authority invited investment in the £1 billion gross development value Martineau Galleries, highlighting phased delivery between 2024 and 2034, with demolition originally slated for 2026.
The closure of The Square in March 2025 brought an end to landmarks like the 54-year-old Oasis Market, Grey Lantern pub, Ngopi coffee shop, and several retail outlets including B&M and Subway. Following this, Hammerson confirmed it had secured vacant possession and anticipated demolition to start in early 2026—confirmation that has now been fulfilled.
In August 2025, Hammerson made a strategic move by acquiring full ownership of Bullring and Grand Central for £319 million. Together with Martineau Galleries, these form the company’s ‘Birmingham Estate.’
Hammerson’s 2025 report highlights Bullring’s strong performance, with footfall increasing 5% and occupancy at 98%. New store openings from major brands such as M&S, Zara, Sephora, and JD Sports have strengthened the estate’s appeal.
Asked about the next steps for Martineau Galleries following demolition, Hammerson reiterated that they are working closely with Birmingham City Council but have no additional announcements at this time.
Their full-year report divides upcoming projects into near term (within three years), medium term (three to five years), and long term (beyond five years). Martineau Galleries sits within the long-term category, suggesting it may take five years or more to complete.
Hammerson emphasizes that timelines depend on factors such as planning permissions, stakeholder engagement, feasibility studies, and funding availability. While some phases might proceed sooner with council approval, the five-year horizon remains a reasonable expectation.
Two key takeaways emerge: Martineau Galleries remains a cornerstone of Hammerson’s future vision for Birmingham, with ongoing asset management and leasing activities under way, but precise opening dates for the project’s “signature gateway” remain uncertain.
For now, Birmingham residents must watch as The Square’s familiar landscape gives way to a bold new chapter—one that could take several years to fully materialize.