Birmingham city centre has nowhere for large outdoor events, says watchdog
Birmingham ought to be capable of hosting large outdoor events in its city centre, according to a council watchdog group.
But a lack of large public squares and the distressing scenes of last November’s Christmas pop concert crush has put the city off.
That was the view of the council’s Leisure, Sport and Culture Scrutiny committee as it reviewed the inquiry into the chaos which left teenagers crushed as pop superstars JLS took to the stage in front of 17,000 people at Millennium Point last year.
The inquiry found that the organisers preparations were “satisfactory” but that see through fencing meant that many of those refused entry could see inside the arena, stayed, pushed forward, climbed the fence causing it to collapse.
But of particular concern to Conservative group deputy leader Philip Parkin (Sutton Trinity) was that Birmingham city centre is incapable of hosting a major event.
He said: “We are shying away from large popular events in the city centre. We could not show the World Cup football, we are changing the Christmas lights.
“There isn’t the space for large events, with Millennium Point becoming a park and Centenary Square is out of use while the library is being built.
“It is lamentable that a city the size of Birmingham can’t put on events that large numbers of people want to see.”
Assisant director of sport and events Steve Hollingworth explained that they could close roads for large crowds, and that Broad Street would be closed to extend Centenary Square during ArtsFest and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
He added that mass events, such as religious festivals of Eid and Varshiki, were still held in parks around the city, but admitted that parks could not be used during the winter.
The committee accepted the inquiry, by health and safety consultants Confluence.
Coun Roger Harmer (Lib Dem, Acocks Green) said: “The problem was that a B-list act, JLS, was booked, but by the time the concert arrived they were very much A-list. A parade is much more appropriate and aimed at the younger children for who Christmas is a magic time.”
The parade has also been welcomed by traders who want the Christmas celebrations in the main shopping areas.
