Elevating Birmingham's Urban Inclusivity

So, what does Birmingham do well?

Birmingham is a city built on inclusivity. This was evident and celebrated as part of its hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2022. It is one of the most diverse cities across Europe and most diverse city in the UK outside of London.  To put that into perspective, the 2021 Census estimated 57.1% of the Birmingham population belonged to an ethnic group other than White British, with over 25% being born overseas – bringing the term ‘super diverse’ into the lexicon. In addition to this, the 2021 census identified that English is often a second language, and in some cases not spoken or understood - just 79.1% of households are fluent in English across the City. 

The City Councils Inclusion Strategy aims to ensure that all people, regardless of their needs get the opportunity to thrive in Birmingham. This has a particular onus on the younger generations. The city has one of the youngest populations in the UK. 

Birmingham’s young and diverse population provides a unique blend of skills and perspective to new and prospective businesses. It is equally true that the city is not reliant upon any one economic sector. This has both positive and negative effects – with the economic diversity providing some insulation from adversity and ensuring a broad range of opportunity to the broadest possible cross section of the community. However, the downside can be its lack of strength in the fastest growth sectors weighing on productivity.

The proposals in the Central Birmingham Framework could lead to a denser shopping catchment, reduced traffic volumes and a more sustainable living offer for the city. The framework places emphasis upon the provision of Jobs, Homes and Transport. The aim of the plan is to extend the established City Centre beyond the old ring road and combine the destinations to secure growth across the entire area and thereby ensure that the social value is equitably spread. This focus on social value – as well as being laid out in city policy was also part of the legacy aims of the Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham is currently home to 5 universities, namely, the University of Birmingham, Newman University, Aston University, University College Birmingham and Birmingham City University. This strong further educational presence in the city centre boasts an opportunity for retention of talent and skill. Specialisms in Life Sciences and Health account for the largest employment Sector with national facilities in Childrens and Adult Healthcare.

What can Birmingham do better?

As the population of Birmingham continues to increase, it is important that residents in Birmingham have good quality, green and safe homes to live in, enabling communities to thrive. The census demonstrates that 46.1% of the Birmingham Population are currently in rented accommodation, compared to the UK average of 37.6%. 

Whilst housing initiatives like Icknield Port Loop have developed brown field sites into modern urban living more is needed to be bought forward through Public & Private partnerships. Initiatives through Homes England and West Midlands Combined Authority should help to deliver more and affordable schemes. 
 
The city has the potential to densify the urban core and move living on, introducing new typologies. Densification will reduce the need for further suburbanisation of lower density traditional housing sites which will ultimately need to breech the green belt.  

Birmingham should capitalise on its physical location, in the centre of the Country, with strong rail and motorway networks, and with Birmingham Airport’s international connections. The emergence of HS2 and decarbonisation of the transport network will enable wider connectivity between other UK Cities and Birmingham. The city operates a clean air zone with an integrated Tram system and has invested wider in canals and cycling routes.   

According to the 2021 census data, only 55.7% of Birmingham’s population are economically active, with 33.1% of those working on a part-time basis.  In general, the majority of the workforce in Birmingham are currently working manual/unskilled labour jobs, with just above 30% in managerial or professional occupations. Birmingham should look to capitalise on the presence of big corporate brands, and companies moving and expanding from the South East to the Midlands to attract and retain graduates and young professionals for a larger skilled workforce. The connectivity of Birmingham with the completion of HS2 and the lower cost of living and operating in the city should see this continuing.

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