There’s no escaping the fact that the financial crisis unfolding at Birmingham City Council has sparked dismay and dread right across the Second City.
The crisis-hit authority’s recently-revealed proposals to hike council tax and slash a huge array of local services sent shockwaves through our communities and left many fearing for Birmingham’s future.
The uncertainty, anger and sadness that countless Brummies feel over the alarming situation has been on full display in the past few weeks.
We’ve seen protesters gather outside the council’s headquarters to protest against possible youth service cuts; tearful scenes at a council meeting over the impact on the city’s cultural heartbeat; and petitions launched against the ‘unjust’ council tax rise.
The ‘closure’ of The Electric cinema after more than 100 years this week will be another blow to those worried about the direction that Birmingham is going in.
It certainly feels like this is one of the bleakest periods that Birmingham has experienced in modern history but there are thankfully reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the city’s future.
While they may not lessen the anxiety and pain caused by the council’s budget proposals, they may provide a glimmer of hope that Birmingham can get through this dark chapter and continue to be the brilliant and thriving city we know it is:
1. European Athletics Championships 2026
The incredible atmosphere and pride Birmingham had during the Commonwealth Games in the summer of 2022 is hard to forget for many. Thankfully, it was confirmed earlier this year that vital funding has been agreed in a bid to ensure the 2026 European Athletics Championships is held in the region. West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) recently approved an extra £600,000 towards the cost of hosting the sporting event, described as an opportunity to build on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, to help address a funding shortfall. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA Board, said: “We know from previous experience that these high-profile events do deliver positive impact, bringing in valuable investment and creating local jobs.”
2. Film and TV
There’s also still a lot of optimism when it comes to Birmingham’s burgeoning film and TV industry, with Digbeth soon becoming home to Masterchef, the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters and Digbeth Loc. Studios, conceived by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight CBE. Mr Knight said: “For decades, Digbeth was a neighbourhood in decline, dominated by vacant industrial buildings and undeveloped land, right on the doorstep of the city centre. “As a proud Brummie, it’s brilliant to see that the tide has turned. “Creative businesses, animators, agencies and filmmakers have created a community here, drawing investment and talent out of London. “I look forward to creating world-class films and television here, to working alongside local crews and telling our stories to the world,” he added.
3. HS2 investment
Earlier this year, construction work on the HS2 Curzon Street Station finally got under way – and recent research suggests the high-speed railway linking Birmingham to London could drive a £10 billion ‘economic uplift’ in the West Midlands during the next 10 years. More than 40,000 new homes could be built and around 31,000 jobs created, the encouraging report by consultancy Arcadis added. Mayor Andy Street said: “Whether it’s urban regeneration, improved local transport connections, increased housing provision and of course new jobs, HS2 is benefitting local people, businesses and our wider economy. “It’s vital that local people see the tangible benefits of major schemes like this.”
4. Thriving food scene
History was made when Birmingham city centre Indian restaurant Opheem was recently awarded two Michelin Stars – the first city restaurant to achieve that prestigious status. Aktar Islam’s restaurant was named alongside five other restaurants in its category, making it among the very best in Britain. The historic moment shows Birmingham can still be considered as one of the most exciting food destinations in Britain right now. Whether you fancy street food, cult burger joints, an authentic balti or Michelin-star dining, Brum has it all.