What was it really like?
Most
people from Birmingham are fed up with southerners and
outsiders running down the city of Birmingham. So, you
came here 20 years ago and the place was a mess?. Now
I have to be perfectly honest on this one. I am not
originally from the City of Birmingham. I used to travel
up from Gloucester at the weekends to experience the
clubbing and the night scene in my early twenties. I
also have to admit that at the time I was one of those
unconverted southerners and to me the place did look
a mess. I never minded the accent, unlike some, and
I mean those that think if you talk with a Brummie twang
the lift doesn't go to the top floor.
Whatever
your opinion of Birmingham, it has to be said that things
have changed drastically and in many cases beyond recognition.
Back in 1995, having just travelled to New Street on
the train, I stepped out into an unrecognisable environment.
Where had that drab, plain and unexciting Birmingham
gone?.
You wouldn't recognise it now!
Birmingham
today is a bustling, vibrant and multi cultured modern
city. It has not stood still and in the past few years
has moved at a staggering pace. The 1990's have seen
whole urban areas ripped apart and restyled as the city
revitalises its heartland. Birmingham is set to become
a premier league city amongst the great European cities
of the millenium. Bold statement? Most definately not.
Lets take a look at whats happening.
Brindleyplace
Brindleyplace
and the area around Broad Street is bustling and
full of life every evening of the week. Modelled on
the traditional European city it features the National
Indoor Arena, home of the Gladiator TV series, The National
Sea Life Centre, Symphony Hall and a host of other main
attractions which are all within easy walking distance.
The canal area around Brindleyplace has been incorporated
within the surroundings and has a host of modern and
yet tasteful bars and restaurants.
In
the six short years since its beginings, Britain's largest
city centre development has transformed this 17 acre
site into an outstanding quality business and leisure
environment that would be an asset to any international
city.
Into
the 21st Century
The
building projects taking place in Birmingham now and
over the next few years are on a very large scale. There
is redevelopment everywhere you look. The infamous Bull
Ring shopping area has been demolished and in its place is
a brand new complex re-built at a cost of £800 million. Its completion
has created around 8000 jobs and 1.2 million square
feet of retail space. The Millennium Point project nearby, is
on a 12-acre site, and features an
interactive science and technology based museum for
the 21st century. The area of Digbeth is being completely
re-structured in a massive building project costing
millions. All over the city there is an exciting hustle
and bustle of movement and change. The former Birmingham
Children's hospital at Edgbaston Five Ways is being
transformed into a mixed leisure, retail and commercial
development.
As
if that's not enough, the new arena central in the heart
of the city will create a vibrant heart for the most
forward looking city in Britain today. Arena central
is 2.3 million sq ft of prime city centre space, a development
that will overlook Centenary Square. A towering and
yet tastefully designed structure that will dominate
the city skyline, this is a world-class landmark in
its own right. This £400 million scheme is just one
example of how Birmingham is moving forward today. Another
exciting project that has just been completed is the
conversion of the former Royal Mail sorting offices
at Smallbrook Queensway. This 80,000 square metre building
now has a new 200 room hotel and shops that provide
yet another attraction. A new public square has also
been built at this new building (called the Mailbox)
that is about the same size as Birmingham's current
Chamberlain Square. There's also the recently completed
reconstruction of Corporation Street that, along with
New Street is the main focal point for shopping in the
city centre. With new flagship Gap and Beaties stores
leading the way, this is now one of the most modern
shopping areas in the country.
This
however is only part of the story. The old jewellery
quarter is also being modernised. Inner city transport
facilities are being re-structured. A new coach station
and the new Five Ways multiplex cinema join the many
changes and modernising of old and new buildings as
the city changes on an almost daily basis. The largest
cinema complex in Europe at Star City now provides themed
restaurants, bars and family entertainment on the outskirts
of the city. Fort Dunlop, having stood derelict for
years will be transformed into a new £42 million prestigious
lifestyle complex with homes, shops, restaurants and
visitor attractions. It's glasshouse top will light
the night sky.
These
are exciting times for the West Midlands. I can honestly
say I am glad I moved to this city. The development
is not only commercial but stretches across every aspect
of life in this fascinating city. Urban housing development
is on the move. Many 1960's tower blocks are being pulled
down or transformed in keeping with the modern and up
and coming city. Birmingham has attracted much new investment
and funding from both national and international corporations.
European funding has played a prominent role in all
this development. There is a definite buzz and a feeling
of confidence that will once again put this great powerhouse
of the Industrial Revolution back on the map. In case
your wondering whether Birmingham is worth a visit you
may be surprised to know that the city now attracts
22 million visitors a year with a total spend of £760
million.
Come
and pay this fine city a visit.......prepare to be surprised
