HS2 symposium looks to build momentum for Eastside regeneration

THE regeneration of Birmingham’s Eastside and how it will be shaped by the arrival of HS2 set the agenda for a new conference in the city.

The Curzon Symposium, taking place at Birmingham City University, was attended by residents, business owners and community leaders.

The event was organised by Birmingham City Council, Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and the recently-formed Curzon Delivery Board, chaired by Liz Peace.

The various stakeholders are trying to form a coalition of interest to help determine what form the regeneration takes.

Ms Peace said: “There is real momentum around this incredibly dynamic part of the city centre, following the launch of the £1bn Curzon Investment Plan earlier this year.  The local community is integral to the future of this historic area and it’s important that they play their part in what the future should look like.”

Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, was one of the key speakers at the event and said: “Birmingham is the beating heart of the HS2 network and we’re working with residents, businesses and community leaders to make the most of this once in a generation opportunity.

“This is about so much more than fast trains to and from London and the Curzon Investment Plan is a very clear signal of intent that our confident, ambitious city will use HS2 as a catalyst for inclusive growth.”
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Simon Marks, a member of the GBSLEP, outlined how the wider region was set to benefit from the arrival of the high speed railway.

“The Curzon Symposium has generated positive discussions about the Curzon Investment Plan and emphasised how Greater Birmingham is investing in the future to be a top global city region that drives the Midlands Engine and the UK economy outside London,” he said.

“The plan is the first major pledge by a local area to maximise the impact of HS2, creating long term, sustainable economic prosperity.  It is a critical trigger to transform an area of untapped potential in Birmingham’s city core to create thousands of new jobs, homes and places for businesses to thrive.

“The GBSLEP’s commitment to invest is a bold statement of intent for how we will utilise HS2 as a catalyst for growth at every step.  By setting out our plans now, we will begin to realise the economic benefits in advance of HS2’s completion.”

Dr Umar Daraz, director for innovation at BCU, said the symposium marked the start of a journey to develop a plan built on the various strengths of the city’s academic, scientific, entrepreneurial and cultural communities.

“It’s about connecting new developments of the Curzon and Big City Masterplan and the HS2 terminus to create a world-class innovation district, ‘the Knowledge Hub’ using it to ignite the regeneration of and transform the Eastside of Birmingham,” he said.

“We are committed to working with all partners in creating an inclusive, attractive and innovative place to learn, live and work. BCU’s recent £14m award in launching STEAM-house to transform the former Typhoo Tea factory into a collaborative Innovation Centre for a growing and entrepreneurial creative & digital cluster in Eastside is part of (this) and a key part of the Strategy for Growth.”