'Global city - local heart' has never been more apt for Birmingham
Mar 12 2009 by Martin Edwards, Birmingham Post
The Birmingham contingent really pulled the proverbial rabbit out of a hat today, with a series of exciting announcements.
Mike Whitby and AWM boss Mick Laverty gave an engaging who’s who in Birmingham’s city centre redevelopment to an audience of more than 100 property developers, investors and surveyors.
The centrepiece of the announcement focused on the creation of over 500 jobs on the back of the development of the new Amey international design hub. Clearly, Birmingham is very much open for business and ready for the economic challenge this year presents in terms of getting projects off the ground.
The 20 minute announcement was a living breathing advert for Birmingham and left everyone who heard it, in no doubt that Regeneration & Renewal magazine got it spot on when they described Birmingham as the regeneration capital of the UK. It is expected Birmingham will continue to lead the UK’s regeneration recovery into next year and beyond.
Despite other cities refusing to accept that Birmingham retains its second city status, it’s clear from MIPIM that Birmingham has got much bigger fish to fry on a global scale. With the city continuing to attract significant investment from the Middle East to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds, ‘Global City – Local Heart’ has never been more apt.
Birmingham might not have opted for the La Croisette paraphernalia or matching yacht, but we’ve got ambition and significant investment, that will define the future landscape with its Masterplan and very real commitment from global partners. Everyone is becoming aware of the economic and cultural opportunity presented. AWM’s Mick Laverty talked about the resilience and determination as ultimately guiding Birmingham to prosperity. But the city’s contribution to economic regeneration is broader than that and underpins the entire region’s ability to attract large scale investment across the Midlands.
There has never been a more important time for the regional development agencies to exhibit joined up thinking and deliver a consistent message for the entire region, centred on Birmingham. Think about it, almost every country has a West Midlands, but few have a Birmingham.
At our firm we are witnessing a significant shift of work that would have traditionally been the preserve of London firms. The recession may have slowed our economy, but it means cities like Birmingham are being given the opportunity to attract work, investment and skills that might have otherwise gone elsewhere.
* Martin Edwards is real estate partner at Martineau
