1.1.1
Original Document
Birmingham’s ambition is to be a ‘global city with a local heart.’ Birmingham aims to develop a global role in addition to its position as a regional capital. Growth is a key element of this plan. The city will grow considerably during the next 20 years to at least 1.1 million. Economic, social, cultural and educational facilities will need to grow even more to establish the city’s global role. Birmingham also aspires to be among the top 20 most liveable cities in the world within 20 years. This means developing a global economic and cultural role for Birmingham whilst nurturing the potential of everyone in the city and promoting a productive, innovative and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and investment.
Plain English Translation
We want Birmingham to be known around the World, as well as being important within the Midlands. We believe that growth (in size and getting richer) is important. In the next 20 years it’s estimated that the number of people in Birmingham will go up to 1.1million, we will need even more facilities to become better in comparison to other cities in the World.
We want Birmingham to be in the top 20 “most liveable” (best to live in) cities in the World, to do this we need to develop a way for Birmingham to be seen by the rest of the World, and also making the city a good place to live.
If I understand this correctly, what we are saying here is that when someone says Birmingham, so the response will come “ah yes, that's a good place to live”. What, I wonder, will they say to exemplify this. The ambitions give a long list of words, but what is the short sharp message. Think Barcelona, Milan and others, where it is easy to know why it's a good city. Why are we a good place to live?
Trams, proper trams that go places you'd want to go, without that we will always be a toy town. It a matter of civic pride not travel company profit. Before culture comes trams! and a user / visitor friendly transport network which is easily accessable from new street station. Cardiff might be very ugly but at least you know where to go when you leave the main train station. I dont think anything good could come of birmingham without getting this right.
Does anyone really know what is meant by “liveable city”? it can mean different things to different groups of people, and there are several methods that can be used to evaluate it. The public consultation should try to establish what Birmingham residents define as livable. we should also remember that living here is not the same as visiting here… visitors seek tourist attractions and entertainment, but residents also need amenities too.