Will Birmingham rival Vienna?
Will Birmingham rival Vienna?
Plans for the future of the Jewellery Quarter suggest it could
Hello Patchers — Welcome to your Friday briefing.
With Kate deep in election digging, I’ve been brought back for a rare Friday stint. And, as perhaps expected, there’s a lot going on. Outside of politics, many eyes will be on the Smithfield development with the developers saying they’re pulling back from UK construction — just days after their latest plans got pushed back. We top today’s briefing with this story.
Elsewhere we look at a what the Jewellery Quarter of the future might be like, why Uber drivers as continuing to protest in the city, and how faith groups are taking a central role in the climate fight.
Take care. Dan.
Editor’s note: We owe an apology to the outgoing Labour MP Steve McCabe for an incorrect claim we made in yesterday’s issue of The Dispatch. We said that the MP for Selly Oak was against a ceasefire in Gaza but this is not true. McCabe signed the Labour amendment to a motion calling for a ceasefire which was approved by Parliament in February. He clearly stated “I want a ceasefire. We need a ceasefire now” in an address which you can read here. We have corrected the article and are sorry for any distress we have caused him or his family.
Brum in Brief
🏗️Smithfield developer chaos: Just a week after the near-£2bn Smithfield regeneration project had been pushed back over concerns about green public space, the lead developer has said it will disengage from the construction phase of UK projects. The Southside Business Improvement District (BID), which includes Smithfield, described the move as "alarming". Full story.
🔮JQ of the future: Brummies can now pore over plans for the development of the Jewellery Quarter. The Central Birmingham Framework 2045 proposes a future in which historic buildings are retained, streets are reorganised to boost café space and public art, and greenways are developed to improve streets. The aim is to turn Birmingham into a city that rivals Vienna for green space and Copenhagen for active travel routes. Look at a breakdown of potential plans, here.
🚕Uber protest: Brummie Uber drivers have hit back at what they say is ongoing poor pay, unfair terminations and over-recruitment with a protest convoy outside the car-hire firm’s Aston hub. The protest took place at 4pm yesterday, organised by the Uber Driver’s Union. It isn’t the first time the firm’s drivers have taken to the streets over this issue — they did so in April. As one driver told BBC Midlands Today: “We want our voices to be heard.”
🛐Brum faith groups take on climate: Muslim Bahu Trust, Birmingham Council of Faiths’ Footsteps and climate solutions charity Ashden are to get a £200k grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to help faith groups lead in community climate action. It is hoped that the grant will allow these groups to build on the roles they played in the pandemic, with a focus on connecting communities to the natural environment, sustainable travel, and food. A grant nominator told The Dispatch the partnership is a “unique collaboration” following the Birmingham tradition of faith groups “taking civic action” and the voluntary sector “coming to the fore” when government funding is lacking.
🚶Hike 4 Homeless: A well-known Birmingham homeless charity is making their last call for registrations for the Hike for Homeless event on Saturday 8th July. The hike will take place in Abergavenny Wales with all funds raised going towards supporting St Basils youth homelessness services. “The Hike for Homeless is a wonderful way to explore the stunning landscapes of Wales while supporting young people in need,” said Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St Basil’s. Registration closes on June 3rd. Sign up here.
🥳Party after the polls: First out the traps to confirm an all-night ‘bacon rolls and pints session’ for those wanting to stay up and watch the election results are 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter. A flyer for the bar invited all to come to a party on 4th July to watch "history in the making.” It added: “Come and watch the dominoes falling and the deckchairs being rearranged on two big screens, all night long."
According to Lendlease's website, it's founder's ambition, back in 1959, was to
"leave our mark on the cities of this country, that is our purpose"
He was talking about Australia, but this would certainly have applied to the Smithfield project too.
I'm sure there can be a more sensitive and beneficial development of that area, especially one that maintained and increased a thriving market for all.
Interesting that the Jewellery Quarter plans now involve more greenery. I had always understood that because areas like the JQ and the south city area between Smithfield and Bristol St had traditionally had no trees, there was no obligation for developers to include them in plans, with results that have been plain to see.