The Future Business District

Background

Colmore BID commissioned a team from City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver a research programme, supported by an independent Advisory Panel and a range of partners. The project focused on prospects for Birmingham’s city centre business district in the medium- and longer-term, addressing two questions:

1. What is the likely long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on city centre business districts?
2. How can we ensure they remain successful as places to attract businesses and people and contribute to vibrant city centres?

An initial research phase involved an evidence and data review; workshops on ‘megatrends’; and a call for evidence. A subsequent engagement phase involved in-depth interviews with 21 businesses and stakeholders; Advisory Panel meetings to help develop future scenarios; facilitated discussions on future infrastructure, place and urban experience; supplementary individual meetings; and engagement with a broader community panel on working patterns and broader use of cities and city centres.

Contact

Project Lead: Professor Anne Green (a.e.green.1@bham.ac.uk)