Case study city in UK - Birmingham

Question 1

What is Birmingham’s rank in terms of city size in the UK?

Answer 1

Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city.

Question 2

What is the population of Birmingham?

Answer 2

Birmingham has a population of just over 1 million people.

Question 3

How is Birmingham connected to other regions?

Answer 3

Birmingham is well connected via an international airport, several motorways (M6, M42, M5), and 3 mainline train stations.

Question 4

What historical significance does Birmingham have?

Answer 4

Birmingham was heavily involved in the 1800’s industrial revolution.

Question 5

How has Birmingham developed since the industrial revolution?

Answer 5

Birmingham has continued to grow since the industrial revolution.

Question 6

What led to high rates of unemployment in Birmingham?

Answer 6

Industrial decline led to high rates of unemployment, especially in inner city areas and former car manufacturing zones.

Question 7

What event was caused by racial tensions in Birmingham?

Answer 7

Racial tensions created by newly arrived migrants have caused race riots (e.g. 2005).

Question 8

What transport challenge does Birmingham face?

Answer 8

Transport remains a major challenge with the historic ring roads no longer fit for purpose and acting like a ‘concrete collar’ on the city.

Question 9

What issue do migrants face regarding employment in Birmingham?

Answer 9

Employment inequality for migrants is another issue, as they have a far lower chance of being employed, leading to economic segregation.

Question 10

What social issue arises from newly arrived migrants settling in the same area?

Answer 10

Newly arrived migrants often settle in the same area, leading to enclaves and social separation which can worsen tensions.

Question 11

What is the life expectancy difference between wealthy areas and Sparkbrook?

Answer 11

Wealthy areas such as Four Oaks have a life expectancy of 84, compared to 76 in Sparkbrook.

Question 12

What housing inequality exists in Birmingham?

Answer 12

Inequality in housing between Edgbaston and Sparkbrook is evident and likely causes some of the health inequality.

Question 13

How many universities does Birmingham have?

Answer 13

The city has 5 universities which together educate 50,000 students.

Question 14

What environmental feature does Birmingham boast?

Answer 14

Birmingham is a green city with 500 parks and more trees than any other city in Europe.

Question 15

What recent investment has created jobs in Birmingham?

Answer 15

New investment has created 20,000 jobs as HSBC moves its HQ to Birmingham from London.

Question 16

What is the waste recovery system in Birmingham?

Answer 16

The waste recovery system turns 350,000 tonnes of waste into energy each year.

Question 17

What cultural opportunity has arisen in Birmingham?

Answer 17

Cultural diversity creates social opportunities for shared language, culture, and food, leading to the ‘Balti Triangle.’

Question 18

What recreational facilities are available in Birmingham?

Answer 18

Birmingham has state-of-the-art recreational facilities such as the Symphony Hall and award-winning library, as well as redeveloped areas like Brindley Place.

Question 19

What transport improvements have been made in Birmingham?

Answer 19

Birmingham has fantastic internal and national transport links through a revamped train station and an extended Midland Metro tram network.

Question 20

What was the BIG CITY PLAN in Birmingham?

Answer 20

The BIG CITY PLAN was created to redevelop 5 key areas of the city following industrial decline.

Question 21

What was the cost and purpose of the New Street Station revamp?

Answer 21

The £600 million revamp of New Street Station aimed to create a world-class shopping facility (Grand Central), generate 1,000 new permanent jobs, and increase rail capacity to 300,000 passengers per day.

Question 22

What sustainable practices were used in the New Street Station redevelopment?

Answer 22

Materials used were largely recycled, and rainwater was collected to flush toilets to make the development more sustainable.