Young professionals urge Big City Plan to address housing crisis
BIRMINGHAM is in danger of losing subsequent generations of young professionals if the Big City Plan does not address housing needs sooner – that’s according to former Birmingham Future chair and partner at Shoosmiths Alex Bishop.
Speaking last night at a Birmingham Future event to discuss the Big City Plan, Ms Bishop said “long term ambitions do not address immediate housing needs.”
She said: “in the longer term, the Big City Plan talks of the potential to turn Highgate and Ladywood into family-oriented neighbourhoods – both positive ambitions which we whole heartedly endorse. However, this will involve massive demolition and rejuvenation of existing residential and industrial stock, completely revamping the infrastructure of those areas and will potentially take decades.
“After the excitement surrounding the possibility of the Icknield Port Loop regeneration in the first Big City Plan, it is disappointing so little focus was placed on it this time round. Likewise, it is positive that the Jewellery Quarter is being seen as an attractive focal point for our liveable city – but, again, very little detail as to how this will be achieved.”
“While the Big City Plan must of course cover long term ambition, people don’t want to wait 20 years for somewhere to live. In that time, we risk losing generations of young professionals who will relocate to another city which can offer them what they want – aspirational family housing (not more one or two bed apartments), 24/7 city living and a sustainable city centre infrastructure. We need some quick wins and soon.
“Many young professionals like living in Birmingham city centre and they want to make their family life here. But, at the moment, they can’t. Instead, they are forced out into the suburbs or to other cities and Birmingham loses generations of talented people from our business and professional services sector.”
Birmingham Future is calling on the ‘Future’ generation in Birmingham to make their voices heard. Ms Bishop said: “the Big City Plan needs our full support but it is important that the consultation feedback the Council receives comes from those who will still be living and working in the city centre in 15 or 20 years’ time – not just those currently sitting at the top of their career.”
Feedback can be provided at www.bigcityplan.org.uk until Wednesday 22 December 2010.
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