19 things Birmingham needs but doesn't have in 2024 - as chosen by Brummies
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What does Birmingham need but is currently lacking? We posed these questions to our readers, and their answers gave us plenty to consider.
Birmingham is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world. But even the best can have room for improvement. That's why we turned to our readers to find out what they'd love to see in Birmingham.
Whether it's something the city once had and dearly misses, or a feature of other modern cities like Manchester, London, or even Wolverhampton (yes, we’re joking about that last one!), we wanted to explore what's missing in Birmingham.
We asked readers of BirminghamWorld to share their thoughts, and we received over 150 responses from Brummies of all ages -some still living in the city and others who have moved on.
Here are the top 15 most popular suggestions from our readers for what Birmingham needs right now:
1) A better city council
Readers mainly replied saying the city needed an improved Birmingham City Council.
The Brum council, the largest local authority in the country, representing over 1 million people, issued a section 114 notice effectively declaring bankruptcy in September last year. In the months that have followed, a series of cost-cutting measures have been made including to valuable services such as youth centres, libraries and day centres.
Protests have been held across the city, with many feeling anxious and worried for the future.
Some called for ‘a council that cares, a decent council, a council that spends wisely’. One said: “We need a council that knows what they're doing with other people's plethora of money”.
Another added: “ We need a proper home care team, they are all being made redundant through council cuts. A decent council is what we really need.”
Another said: “We need a competent council that doesn’t sell off all its assets and make life unbearable for disabled people, close down libraries and cut services for kids with SEND.”
Read more here: Anger as devastated youth workers told of major job cuts by Birmingham City Council with centres to be sold
2) Drain cleaning
A lot of Brummies made a plea for ‘regular and effective’ drain cleaning.
This comes after flooding caused by heavy downpours submerged the city at the end of September, closing roads and schools.
Many said if the drains had been cleaned then the situation could have been avoided.
3) Improved bus routes
Many Birmingham residents are calling for better bus services, including more routes connecting the city to nearby towns.
Specific requests include additional buses to Merry Hill and more frequent services from local neighbourhoods to the city centre.
4) Help for the homeless
Birmingham urgently needs a solution to support its growing homeless population.
Residents have made it clear that addressing this issue is a top priority for the city's improvement.
Many are calling for long-term strategies to combat the increasing number of people living on the streets each year.
Read more: Heartbreaking footage as homeless man found living in a clothes bin near Erdington church
5) Decent shops
Birmingham may have plenty of coffee shops and off-licences, but a common sentiment among residents is the need for better quality retail options.
One local remarked: “We definitely need better shops, fewer low-quality stores," while another added: "We need a high street offering more than just sports gear. I don't mind these stores, but there’s no variety anymore."
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6) Ice Rink
A few called for a permanent ice rink in the city. Of course, there’s the Ice Skate Birmingham that sets up around Christmas time on Centenary Square, but that is only seasonal. This would be a purpose built all-year round venue for Brummies to glide on and enjoy at their leisure.
7) Positivity and pride
Some said exactly what Birmingham needs was a major dose of positivity and pride.
One Brummie urged for a “greater Birmingham to stop Manchester taking Britain's second city slot”.
Another said: “What we need is-eople who big up this city, rather than slagging it off all the time.”
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8) More bobbies on the beat
A common theme are the calls for more police, an increase in law and order and a reduction in crime levels across the city. Others have called for stronger sentences for high-level crimes in the city.
BirminghamWorld has been investigating crime in the city as part of a new campaign called Silent Crime. Help us to collect the evidence to make a change by filling in our survey here.
Read more here: Stark reality of anti-social behaviour in Birmingham as victims feel 'unable' to tell police
9) Cleaner streets
Many said the city needed cleaner streets, one added: “Clean up the streets, the mess outside the shops and houses, it’s a tip.”
Fly-tipping incidents have soared across the city in recent years, locals living in the Soho area of Birmingham say fly-tippers and drug-addled 'zombie' addicts have turned their neighbourhood into a no-go zone. Others have called for more litter-picking, extra bins and education on littering.
Read more: Birmingham residents' fury at huge mountain of fly-tipped rubbish on 'Walking Dead' estate
10) More bike lanes/routes
Some Brummies are calling for more bike lanes and routes in and around the city.
For those looking to avoid using cars and the heavy traffic heading into central Birmingham, additional cycling facilities and dedicated bike routes would be greatly appreciated.
These improvements would make it easier and safer for cyclists to get around, while also promoting a greener, more sustainable way to travel.
Read more here: ‘Britain’s shortest cycle lane’ discovered in Stirchley, Birmingham - and it’s barely the length of a bike
11) Better manners
Manners don’t cost a penny! That’s what many Brummies are hoping to see more of in the city moving forward - people showing better manners.
Whether it's being more polite in public spaces, practicing patience, or simply showing kindness in everyday interactions, a number of residents feel that Birmingham could benefit from a boost in courtesy.
12) Safer roads
A common concern among Birmingham residents is the need for safer roads.
Many Brummies are calling for improvements in road safety, whether through better infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, or more awareness for both drivers and pedestrians.
The desire for safer streets is strong, with people hoping for fewer accidents and a more secure environment for everyone traveling through the city.
13) An underground system
Some Brummies are calling for the introduction of an underground transport system in Birmingham. With traffic congestion becoming an increasing problem and the city's growing population, residents believe an underground network could be a game-changer.
It would ease pressure on the roads, provide quicker travel options, and bring Birmingham in line with other major cities like London and Manchester that already benefit from such infrastructure.
14) Fewer roadworks
Brummies are voicing their frustration over the constant roadworks throughout the city and are calling for fewer disruptions. While road improvements are necessary, many residents feel that the frequency and duration of these projects are causing too much congestion and inconvenience.
15) Improved education
Brummies are calling for full-time education opportunities and significant improvements in the quality of education across the city.
They want to see better resources, more support for teachers, and a curriculum that equips students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world. Full-time, uninterrupted education is seen as a key priority.
16) More things to do for children and teenagers
Many Brummies said there wasn’t enough for the under 18s, leading to teenagers wandering around aimlessly with a lack of provision for the age group.
17) Cheaper car parking
Birmingham city centre drivers are urging for more affordable parking options as costs continue to rise. Many feel the current fees are too high, making daily commutes more expensive.
18) Support and awareness for Birmingham’s LGBTQIA+ community
Many people in Birmingham want more efforts to foster a more accepting and diverse city environment.
19) More social housing/ residential homes nearer to the city centre
As of April 2024, Birmingham has over 20,000 households on the waiting list for social rented homes. Brummies think more should be done to help those waiting, while others said there’s a lack of residential homes near or in the city centre.