Economic Change Case Study - Birmingham Flashcards
What three things were manufactured and led to Birmingham’s initial economic growth?
- Cars, most notably MG Rover.
- Jewellery.
- Pens, guns, buttons, brass etc.
What was Birmingham’s main product transport system and how much distance was there?
170 miles of canals.
What are the two main changes to the built environment in modern day Birmingham?
- Post-modernist architecture.
- Old factories are converted into living areas and modern shopping centres.
Who formed the Birmingham Research Park?
The University of Birmingham and the Birmingham City Council.
What is the use of the Birmingham Research Park?
Laboratories and offices inhabited by businesses in the tertiary and quaternary sectors.
How did earnings and unemployment rates change from the 1970s to the 80s?
- Earnings fell from the highest in the UK in 1970 to the lowest in the UK in 1983.
- In 1982 unemployment was 19.4%.
What were the 4 main causes of economic decline in Birmingham?
- The 1973 oil crisis.
- Competition from TNCs in the manufacturing industry.
- Decline in the vehicles industry.
- Tower blocks replaced the high quality suburb housing.
What three effects did the 1973 oil crisis have on Birmingham?
- Oil prices increased by almost tenfold.
- Manufacturing declined.
- Energy prices rose significantly.
What effect did TNCs have on Birmingham?
Manufacturing decline, as TNCs had lower production costs.
Why did Birmingham’s vehicle industry decline?
TNCs made cars that were cheaper and more reliable, and only setup UK factories in other cities due to government grants.
How many tower blocks were built in the 1950s and 60s in Birmingham?
400.
How many houses in Birmingham were destroyed in WW2?
5000.
In what two ways did the local government in Birmingham help regeneration?
- Building the National Exhibition Centre.
- Expanding the Birmingham International Airport.
When was the Birmingham Heartlands Development Corporation established and what do they do?
Established in 1992, they aim to regenerate old industrial areas.
Why does Birmingham have a diverse population and what is an example of this?
Migration, and an example is the Balti Triangle.
How did Birmingham’s universities help with regeneration in Birmingham?
From 2003 to 2010, £20 million was invested in developing education in Birmingham, and Birmingham’s universities now have 50,000 students.
How much did the Birmingham Bull Ring shopping centre cost to redevelop?
£530 million.
In what three ways was the Birmingham Bull Ring successful?
- It created 8000 new jobs.
- It had over 35 million visitors in the first year of opening.
- It is the UK’s second busiest shopping centre.
In what two other ways did the Birmingham Bull Ring help regeneration?
- Improved public transport.
- Increased parking capacity in the city centre.
How much did Birmingham’s main railway station cost to improve?
£700 million.
What benefit did the improvement of Birmingham’s main railway station have?
It created 1000 jobs and new retail opportunities.
