COMMENT The city of Birmingham, once known as the “workshop of the world,” has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. From its industrial roots as a manufacturing powerhouse, it has evolved into a vibrant and diverse metropolis that embraces innovation, culture and sustainability. Through strategic planning and concerted efforts, the regeneration of the city is rejuvenating its urban landscape, revitalising its economy, and redefining its identity.
Birmingham’s regeneration has centred on economic transformation, diversifying its industries and fostering entrepreneurship. While the decline of traditional manufacturing was a significant challenge, the city successfully adapted by leveraging its strengths in sectors such as finance, education, gaming, healthcare and the creative industries. The establishment of innovation hubs, such as the Innovation Birmingham Campus and the Custard Factory have nurtured start-ups, research, and development, with the regeneration efforts attracting foreign direct investment and international companies recognising Birmingham’s potential as a strategic location for business growth.
Urban renewal commitment
One of the cornerstones of Birmingham’s regeneration has been its commitment to urban renewal. The city’s extensive renovation projects have transformed derelict areas into thriving spaces that foster creativity and collaboration.
Brindleyplace was the first regional mixed-use development of any scale, not just in Britain, but also in Europe, creating a thriving, community-driven, high-density, economically successful commercial scheme. It has been a driver in expanding the perceived city core, creating a thriving mixed-use scheme and a diverse base of occupiers. The fact it has evolved – with the addition of major residential developments nearby and new transport infrastructure – shows how areas of cities can adapt with the times.
Continued confidence
The recent announcement in the Autumn Statement confirmed Investment Zone status for the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, showing continued confidence in Birmingham following the city council being placed into special measures in September this year.
The new Investment Zone will create a leading innovation cluster centred on science, technology and enterprise with the potential to attract more than £2bn of new investment into the regional economy and a further £3.5bn over the lifetime of the zone.
The area is already home to key creative hubs, including major innovation, education and business support facilities. This includes the Innovation Birmingham Campus, Birmingham’s leading digital tech campus, home to more than 120 businesses, and SteamHouse, a place powered by Birmingham City University, specifically designed to support the development of innovation and growth across the city, with Curzon Station, the new HS2 rail link at its heart.
In addition, meanwhile space have also become a dynamic solution to revitalising areas, injecting life, creativity, and economic activity into neglected areas, often acting as community-driven spaces, creating opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups.
By supporting local businesses and talent, meanwhile spaces contribute to the growth and vitality of the local economy. In fact, the Custard Factory in Digbeth, which was transformed into a meanwhile space for artists and designers, has since become a permanent hub for creative industries. Not only has it created affordable and vibrant space in its own right but it has also been a catalyst for the growth of the surrounding area.
The Commonwealth Games also set in motion a major regeneration programme set to transform the lives of Perry Barr residents for decades to come, with the help of a significant investment of more than £700m into the area. Already visible, these changes are seeing the delivery of new homes, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, new community facilities and improved public spaces.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games were a great opportunity to illustrate Birmingham’s potential to the rest of the world, showcasing all the region has to offer while addressing social inequalities and working towards a net zero city. This sets the precedent for an ongoing ripple effect of future investment that will boost Birmingham for many years by ensuring there will be a lasting sporting, economic and social legacy for the city and region.
Resilient and adaptable
The regeneration of Birmingham stands as a testament to the city’s resilience, adaptability, and vision for the future. Through urban renewal, economic transformation, cultural renaissance and sustainability initiatives, Birmingham has reinvented itself into a dynamic and attractive destination.
As Birmingham continues to evolve, it serves as an inspiration for other cities, demonstrating that with strategic planning, collaboration, and a commitment to progress, urban regeneration can lead to remarkable transformations that benefit communities for generations to come.
Clare Bailey is a research director at Savills
