CSMP33 👥 Players & placemaking in Birmingham

Question 1

What is the Big City Plan and who developed it?

Answer 1

The Big City Plan is a masterplan for the regeneration of Birmingham, developed by the City Council in collaboration with Urban Initiatives, an urban design consultancy.

Question 2

What year was the Big City Plan launched?

Answer 2

The Big City Plan was launched in 2010.

Question 3

How long does the Big City Plan cover?

Answer 3

The Big City Plan covers a period of 20 years.

Question 4

What is the predicted cost of the Big City Plan?

Answer 4

The Big City Plan is predicted to cost £10bn.

Question 5

How much bigger will the city’s central core become according to the Big City Plan?

Answer 5

According to the Big City Plan, the city’s central core will become 25% bigger in size.

Question 6

How many new homes will be built according to the Big City Plan?

Answer 6

The Big City Plan aims to build 5,000 new homes.

Question 7

How many new jobs will be provided according to the Big City Plan?

Answer 7

The Big City Plan aims to provide 50,000 new jobs.

Question 8

What is the additional building floorspace according to the Big City Plan?

Answer 8

The Big City Plan aims to add 1.5m m2 of additional building floorspace.

Question 9

What is the economic boost predicted by the Big City Plan?

Answer 9

The Big City Plan is predicted to provide an economic boost of £2bn to the centre per year.

Question 10

How many enhanced walking and cycling routes are there according to the Big City Plan?

Answer 10

The Big City Plan aims to provide 28km of enhanced walking and cycling routes.

Question 11

What did the EU invest in Birmingham?

Answer 11

The EU invested around £1bn in Birmingham.

Question 12

What are the three projects that received the most EU funding in Birmingham?

Answer 12

The three projects that received the most EU funding in Birmingham are the International Convention Centre (£50m), the National Exhibition Centre (£30m), and Millennium Point (£25.6m).

Question 13

What was the impact analysis commissioned by Birmingham City Council about Brexit?

Answer 13

The impact analysis commissioned by Birmingham City Council was about the possible implications of leaving the EU for the city and region.

Question 14

What were the key areas highlighted by the Brexit impact analysis report commissioned by Birmingham City Council?

Answer 14

The key areas highlighted by the Brexit impact analysis report commissioned by Birmingham City Council were trade, infrastructure and investment, ‘just in time’ impacts, employment, productivity and skills, business adaptability, EU funding, economic and financial, security, data sharing, and public services.

Question 15

What were some key points from the Brexit impact analysis report commissioned by Birmingham City Council?

Answer 15

Some key points from the Brexit impact analysis report commissioned by Birmingham City Council were the effect on businesses, the vulnerability of the automotive sector to supply interruptions and delays, the need for formal input into future trade negotiations, the loss of EU funding streams, and the significant and profound impact on affordable housing, the public sector workforce, shared services, and the environment.

Question 16

Who are the other influential players in Birmingham’s placemaking?

Answer 16

The other influential players in Birmingham’s placemaking are the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), not-for-profit organizations, community groups, charities such as the Canal River Trust, and heritage associations.

Question 17

What is the purpose of heritage associations in placemaking?

Answer 17

Heritage associations are active in placemaking when there is a distinguishing character based on the survival of past characteristics such as architecture. They aim to preserve and promote cultural heritage and educate people about the history of a place.

Question 18

What is the contest regarding Birmingham’s flagship projects?

Answer 18

Some people argue that Birmingham’s flagship projects have made the city more like a clone town of glass and steel, and that the city has lost its unique sense of place. Others argue that Birmingham’s unique sense of
place has been maintained, and that the city has retained its history and heritage through initiatives such as the Back to Backs and City of Colours. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument. While inward investment has led to the development of new retail spaces, it has also created a “bland retail offer with no sense of retail distinctiveness.” On the other hand, there are iconic buildings and initiatives that maintain the city’s heritage and culture. Overall, the contest regarding Birmingham’s flagship projects is whether the city has lost its unique identity or maintained it while undergoing redevelopment.