Birmingham launches new retail strategy

BIRMINGHAM City Council will today unveil a new retail strategy.

The city centre retail strategy is intended to build on the strengths of the ‘retail core’ and its distinctive character areas.
 
Two key themes are central to the strategy – “the delivery of a high quality attractive environment with distinctive streets and places and the creation of a unique and diverse offer”.

It will see the retail core’s current offer expanded to include leisure, family entertainment, food and beverage and the revitalisation of key streets.
 
The strategy capitalises on a range of investments currently underway, including the £150m Grand Central shopping centre with its £35m flagship John Lewis store, a £50m refurbishment of The Mailbox, and the £20m refurbishment of Selfridges

The vision for the future of the retail core has been developed in partnership with Retail Birmingham, the business improvement district for the shopping area.
 
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham has a highly attractive and successful retail core that positions the city as one of the top destinations in the UK.

“The strategy will be integral to the on-going transformation of the retail core and is testament to our commitment to the improvement and enhancement of the city.”
 
Jonathan Cheetham, chair of Retail Birmingham, said: “The launch of the strategy is a great statement for the city, providing a comprehensive vision for the future of the retail core. 

“Partnership working and the pooling of resources will be key to delivering our ambition to strengthen the role of the centre as a top visitor destination.

“The involvement of retailers, businesses, landowners and developers in the implementation of the strategy will be crucial to its success.”