Martineau Galleries
In the 18th century, the Barley Market moved from the Bullring area to the junction of Bull Street and Dale End.
The construction of the Priory Queensway resulted in the demolition of the Grand Theatre and many other old derelict Victorian properties.
A new two storey shopping precinct of concrete Brutalist architecture, designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, began construction there in 1963 and opened in 1966.
The block was named Priory Square, to reflect the history of the site, in the 1990s when it underwent a renovation which also saw the addition of a small clock tower which chimes at the hour.
Priory Square lost business in the early 21st century as the Bull Ring Shopping Centre and Martineau Place were completed.
On the opposite side of Dale End, which occupies the site set for renovation, is a red brick 1970s midrise office block known as either Dale House or Century House, a multi-storey car park and ground floor, with a mezzanine level, retail space.
The proposal summary was: Outline planning application, including the approval of access, for the construction of a major mixed use development of up to 266,000 square metres gross internal area, comprising retail, food and drink, offices, leisure, residential, hotel, cultural facility, casino, associated car parking, highway works, service areas, public spaces, and infrastructure [Including Use Classes A1 (Retail), A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 (Restaurants & Cafes), A4 (Drinking Establishments), B1 (Business), C1 (Hotels), C3 (Residential), D1 (Non-Residential Institutions), Casino (as amended by SI 220/06 and SI 221/06), D2 (Assembly & Leisure), of the Use Classes Order (England), April 2005]The masterplan was designed by RTKL-UK Ltd.
A cheque of £9,345 made payable to Birmingham City Council was submitted with application to cover the planning fees.
A notice was placed on 5 December 2005 edition of the Birmingham Post by the agents, Drivers Jonas, to make the public aware of the proposals.
The rooftop market is slowly shutting down however it is unknown whether this is due to pressure by the developers or natural deterioration.
Virgin Megastore relocated to new premises next to the Pavilions Shopping Centre on High Street and the retail space became Omega Sektor which closed in 2008.
There is also a block with two towers protruding one of which is estimated to be 110 metres in height with 29 floors and a sloped roof with two rooftop gardens either side of these.
The road which separates Priory Square from the multi storey car park is removed so therefore it will stop at the bridge at the entrance to The McLaren Building.
[citation needed] There are also proposals for highway works which brings the total area of the site to 14.3 acres (58,000 m2).
[citation needed] The site covers 274,605m² and it is expected that 4,700 permanent jobs will be created as a result of the development.[speculation?]
