Plain English Version
We think that more people should live in Birmingham city centre, its economy should become stronger and there should be a wider range of culture. We think that there should be more big businesses in the core and wider central area (see map), as well as one of the world’s best centres for shopping, cultural and leisure facilities (such as theatres, art galleries, sports centres and parks). We want these activities happening in the centre to spread out into the areas next to the city centre.
Original Document
Birmingham city centre should grow in population, economic strength and cultural diversity. The core and wider central area should house more major businesses and world class retail and cultural and recreational facilities. These central area activities will expand out of the core into neighbouring parts of the city centre.
Plain English Version
Economic and cultural diversity – Birmingham’s city centre should have more and different types of buildings, cultural facilities (for example, art galleries, or theatres), public spaces, shops and services. Especially those that appeal to the young or minority ethnic groups.
Original Document
Economic and cultural diversity – Birmingham’s city centre should become more diverse for residents or visitor in its architecture, public realm, cultural facilities, heritage, retail offer, services, especially for young and minority ethnic groups.
Plain English Version
Also, because of its tradition in manufacturing, Birmingham is in a good position to use green technologies for research and growing the economy. The question is, how much can the Big City Plan do to prepare for and encourage this.
Original Document
Moreover, Birmingham with its manufacturing tradition is in a good position to base research and economic growth on the development of green technologies. The issue is how far the Big City Plan can encourage and plan for the growth of this part of its economy.
Plain English Version
The plan of action for the Big City Plan aims to make it possible for Birmingham City Centre to:
- Grow to be able to cope with being the UK’s second most important city;
- Score much higher in charts of places where people most want to live in the world (such as the “Mercer Index“); and move from number 56 into the top 20;
- Change its economy and environment for the better;
- Become a ’smart’ city, reaching its target of cutting carbon emissions by 60% by 2026, as well as making the economy stronger.
Original Document
The strategy of the Big City Plan will aim to provide the conditions for Birmingham City Centre to:
- Grow to serve the city’s status as the UK’s second world city;
- Raise the city much higher on global indices of liveability (such as the Mercer Index 1 ); moving into the top 20 cities from its current 56th place;
- Transform itself economically and environmentally;
- Become a ‘smart’ city, delivering its 60% CO 2 emissions target by 2026, coupled with strong economic growth.