3.4.4
Original Document
The city centre comprises several areas of distinct character which were formerly largely industrial, such as the Gun Quarter, Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth. One of the clear trends from the economic analysis (see above) is the reducing level of manufacturing and the resultant stock of vacant and underused buildings within these quarters. Some of the more attractive building stock has been converted to residential use and there has also been some residential development. However, there is still a lot of vacant and under-used floor-space and some vacant sites and these could present a major opportunity for residential growth on brownfield land within a stone’s throw of the city core.
Plain English Translation
The city centre includes several areas of distinct character which used to be mainly industrial, such as the Gun Quarter, Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth. One of the clear trends from the economic analysis (see above) is less manufacturing and lots of empty and under-used buildings in these areas as a result. Some of the nicer buildings have been converted into housing and there has also been some new housing built. However, there is still a lot of empty and under-used floor space and some empty sites and these could be a good opportunity for more housing very close to the city core.