This was an unofficial 'plain English' version of the Big City Plan Work in Progress consultation document about how Birmingham (UK) should be developed over the next 20 years. For more information, see the About page.
To find your way around, use the links under 'Contents' below.
The official consultation closed at 23:59 on Friday 6th February. We closed comments on the same day at 12 noon here in order to get them to the council on time, in the format they want.
We sent a printed copy of all comments that were made before midnight on 4th Feb to the council by post (recorded delivery). And sent the balance electronically (on 6th Feb).
You can email us at hello@bigcitytalk.org.uk
How can creative and cultural industries be supported, what type of space is needed and where? How might the Custard Factory model be delivered in other parts of the centre?
How can we support creative and cultural industries? What type of space do they need and where? How could have something similar to the Custard Factory in other parts of the city centre?
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To borrow a phrase from respected local digital creative Stef Lewadowski it is all about “accelerating serendipity” – creating places where creative people can happen across each other and spark ideas off one another just by congregating in the same areas.
Mixed-use developments, attractive communal areas, great restaurants and bars, non 9-5 offices and vibrant after- work social spots are all key to this as is free, hi-speed wireless access in communal places outside of the office floor.
Vital – stop the Environmental department from issuing noise abataement notices every time one person complains.
Several venues – The Spotted Dog, The Rainbow, The Adam and Eve, The Nightingale have all faced or are facing threats to their livelihoods becase developers have built next to them (often now properly following planning guidelines in doing so)
These established hubs of the cultural life of the city need our support to be able to flourish and spread the cultural activity further and wider.
The Council needs to demonstrate some joined up thinking on this – too often the Planning and Environmental departments are acting in ways entirely contrary to the cultural wellbeing of the city.
In particular regards Digbeth, we must keep the focus on the vibrant and creative artistic and entertainment based elements which provide a cauldron for creativity and a vital source of celebration and a place to let off steam for the young, creative people who have the power to drive the area forward.