City shopping centre to remain closed indefinitely

The Priory Square shopping centre closed last week for health and safety checks

The owner of a shopping centre that suddenly closed last week has confirmed it will remain shut indefinitely.

Businesses at The Square on Priory Queensway in Birmingham were forced to close their doors on Tuesday, and traders were told the site would be shut until further notice.

The shopping centre, owned by real estate firm Hammerson, previously said it had been closed for health and safety checks, which included a fire risk assessment.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the site, known as Priory Square, said the assessment found improvements needed to be made to the building.

They said the improvements needed were "materially beyond what is reasonably practicable to implement" and would need occupiers to be out of Priory Square for a "prolonged period".

'Difficult decision'

"Following careful review, and with the safety of all tenants and the public a priority, the only option is to close Priory Square indefinitely," the spokesperson added.

"This difficult decision has not been taken lightly, and we have begun to actively engage with tenants."

At the time of its closure, Priory Square was home to more than 30 businesses, including The Oasis market.

Shoppers previously told the BBC the closure of the centre and market would mean the loss of "a big part of the city".