Is the regeneration of Birmingham what the people want?

Birmingham is a city undergoing a huge transformation. The construction of HS2 and the approach of the Commonwealth Games have led to a lot of investment in the city. We speak to the people of Birmingham to see what they think about the city’s regeneration.

You can see what they told us in the video at the top of this story. Or read their comments below. Do you agree? Is there anything you would like to add? Let us know on our social media channels, details at the end.

Robert says: “You can see the direction that Birmingham is going in with this architecture - and what it’s trying to do. It’s kind of trying to become a London 2.0! Same time there is no place like London. So it’s kind of going in it’s own direction as well.

“You can see they’re trying to do the trams, to try to renovate buildings, and stuff like that. So it’s good. It’s good that it’s got ambition.”

Josiah says: “Yeah, I agree. For a time it kind of looked a bit dated at times. So the regeneration is good to have come through, especially for the Commonwealth Games. I think it will, like, make it a bit more of a location for people to visit and get a nice big visit when they’re done with the games and stuff.”

Biddy says: “Some of it’s good and some of it’s not so good. I mean, round this area here in the Bullring, I think it’s quite nice what they’ve done, you know. But other areas could do with a lot more and I think the English government could put more money into places where people need it, like people maybe on low income or something like that?”

Angela says: “I think Birmingham is doing too much for the young people because they’ve got too much hotels, too much clubs, nothing for - like Liverpool, for instance - they’ve got other statues, and you can go around and look at them.

“We’ve got no history now. I think the history is going that’s what I say about it, but I don’t know. I think they’re trying to be like London, because we’re the second city but they’re trying to be a bit much like London and I think when I was growing up Birmingham was great because it was more for the people.”

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