Priory Square and Oasis Market 'ghost town'

Shops, cafes and takeaways in Priory Square have been told they will remain closed 'indefinitely' following a fire risk assessment. Owners Hammerson said that the report identified several aspects of the shopping centre that 'represent a high fire safety risk'. More than 30 shops have been shut, many of which are independent retailers.

This includes the iconic Oasis markets, which have been in Brum for 54 years. There are also some chain stores, such as B&M, Savers and Shoe Zone plus Big John's fish and chip shop and The Grey Lantern pub. Traders have been told their tenancies will be 'brought to an end' after closing suddenly last week.

Take a look through our photos to see how it has become a 'ghost town'. A letter, from property developer Hammerson, which owns the square and the , said: "We have been continuing to review the situation at Priory Square. "Since the last update, we have received the written recommendations from the assessors, following the annual fire risk assessment (FRA) undertaken by them on March 26.

"It has identified several aspects of Priory Square which, in combination, represent a high fire safety risk. The findings have confirmed our decision to close Priory Square last Tuesday. "We have been actively working to establish the nature of the extent of the remedial works required in order to reduce the risk.

However, it is clear that the improvements and mitigations required for safe reopening are materially beyond what is reasonably practicable to implement. "This would include the necessary vacation of Priory Square for a prolonged period of time to upgrade the electrical system. "Following our careful review, and with the safety of all our tenants and members of the public as a priority, we have taken the decision that the only option is to close Priory Square indefinitely.

" Shoezone and the entrance to The Square Bailiff notices in the windows say the 'locks have been changed on the instruction of the landlord' International student Elkie Dehaan from the Netherlands loved spending time in and around Oasis Market One of the entrances to Oasis Market in The Square - it is no longer possible to reach this due to the shutters Eat4Less and Savers are closed at The Square Notice of the 'temporary closure' on March 25 Bailiff notices in the windows say the 'locks have been changed on the instruction of the landlord' 'Special delivery' letters have been taped to the windows of the shops and eateries closed in Priory Square The sign on the shutter of The Square dated March 25 2025 Savers Health and Beauty store has closed in The Square Shirley Fletcher was shocked to arrive from Hull to find The Square had closed A notice says that the Phone Vault has temporarily closed and to visit the shop in Gloucester Street instead The huge British Heart Foundation store has closed in The Square Sabina City Hair & Cosmetics has closed in The Square.