If you think Birmingham has transformed in recent years, you haven’t seen nothing yet!
We knew Birmingham was on the cusp of big change when we finally got a decent train station. Yes, when Grand Central in 2015 transformed our embarrassing old New Street station into somewhere visitors wouldn’t mind spending more than ten minutes, we knew things were getting better.
And despite fears over the Brexit fallout in June, businesses in Birmingham are enjoying more success than those in any other part of the country.
Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham said: “The unprecedented rise of new enterprises here is demonstrating how the region can outclass London as a central hub of innovation, productive and long term future prospects.”
But as well as this new positive national recognition Brum’s been receiving, the city is on its way to gaining serious international recognition too.
From the demolition of the old Paradise Place to make way for a true taste of paradise, to the spectacular plans for our beloved but neglected Bullring markets, the landscape of Birmingham is changing.
This £450 million canalside regeneration scheme is billed as the most “exciting and important city centre regeneration scheme in Europe”. It will transform a 13 acre site into apartments, a 175 room hotel as well as shops, bars and restaurants – as well as the re-opening of the old Typhoo building.
Luke told us there will also be an area called ‘Pound Square’ on Digbeth canal – “a lively bustling area of bars, restaurants and cafes.” Pound Square is located near Penn Street. “That triangular body of water to the side of the canal is called a pound – hence its name.”
Both the Eastside Locks project and Paradise project will help the city centre feel much bigger and most definitely better.
According to Richard Cowell, head of city centre development and planning at city council, the plans’ aim is to “become an example to international cities.”
