What would you change about Birmingham?

Birmingham has come a long way in recent years, experiencing a renaissance of sorts. But are these changes welcomed by everyone? And what does Birmingham need to improve upon to reach its full potential? I’m here on the streets of the city to find out people’s thoughts.

Recent years have seen the city develop in many ways, and the region has been placed in the international spotlight. But what exactly is Birmingham’s identity? This is another question I posed to the peole I met in the city centre

James says: “In terms of Birmingham, I guess looking in the future, I mean, I came here first when I was at university and I’ve been about five years and it’s changed a lot in the time I’ve been here.

“I think it’s getting much more popular in terms of the general population. I think the Commonwealth Games did really well at changing its identity as such. I think they should try and advertise it more and make it a bigger thing.”

Sam says: “Do I welcome the change? I mean, yeah, I do because I think it’s become a better city. It’s more, you know - they’re trying to improve the quality of living and everything.

“I mean, some of the changes that have been introduced have been unpopular, like the clean air zone, but it’s just - you know - it had to happen. when you look at most European cities, they’ve had things like that for the past twenty odd years and Birmingham has only just followed suit.”

And speaking about Birmingham’s identity, Sam says: “​​I think it’s probably the music scene. Everybody knows all the bands that hail from Birmingham - Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath and so on. So it’s always been known for that.

“And industry. Maybe not the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. But that’s what it was built on. So it would be nice for Birmingham, maybe to pay more respect.”

James says: “I think it’s got a big hub for things to do, such as shows and different activities - escape rooms and such like that. I think he’s got quite a good nightlife in terms of that kind of bars and marketing there. I think obviously, Peaky Blinders and shows are pretty popularised in media as well, and it’s probably going to continue along that route.”