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
What improvements should be carried out to the City Centre’s shopping streets to create a more attractive environment and enhance the city’s global reputation?
What should we do to the city centre’s shopping streets to make them nicer?
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In recent years too many retail spaces in and around New St, High St and Bull St have become empty due to the Bullring shopping centre. Many people drive to the carpark underneath Selfridges and don't leave the Bullring complex for their entire shopping trip; this has created a ghost town in many other parts of the city centre, and subsequently they have become run down. These empty retail spaces are often filled by 'cheap and cheerful' businesses that do not stand the test of time and therefore they do nothing to invest in the look and presentation of the outlet. All too often they blare out loud and intrusive music via loudspeakers facing outward into the street, and this in itself can be very offputting. More needs to be done to encourage businesses that offer individuality and quality.
What about more street entertainment? Places like Covent Garden, Bath and Edinburgh have a pretty lively scene with buskers, jugglers, magicians doing a brisk trade. During some of the Birmingham's bigger festivals the streets really start to come to life with activity and crowds gather round to watch – can't we try and foster this spirit all year round?
As well as cultural elements suchas as festivals and displays of photography (such as the ones in Cenenary & Victoria Sq – which attracted a lot of attention and actually made people hang around these areas more). There could be more space dedicated to out door markets retailers – not hot dog and candy floss stands but coffee, juice bars etc – but allowing independents to take space in the city centre but without the expense of a unit.
Flowers and plants are also a way of creating attractive spaces which adds to the overall experience.
more green spaces.
encourage cafes.
respect whatever culture is already there.
Encourage festivals.
Anything that stiumlates, encourages, or just plan avoids getting in the way of local creative talent is likely to have an overall effect on increasing how pleasant any given area is.