Abstract
Prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic Birmingham enjoyed a period of sustained economic growth. Birmingham city centre was transformed physically and economically, with a thriving business, professional and financial services (BPFS) sector driving high levels of business tourism, alongside vibrant hospitality and retail sectors.
In March 2020 the instruction to work from home and the shutdown of hospitality and retail in the first national lockdown brought rapid and radical change to city centre business districts. Since then the economy and society has seen phases of opening up, closing down and opening up once again. Individuals and firms have had to respond in real time to a developing health and economic situation. Cities have overcome pandemics and shocks before, but the recent period has no recent precedent.
The ‘Future Business District’ Study
As part of its response to the radical changes being experienced, the Colmore Business District (Colmore BID) established the Future Business District Study to inform long-term recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and offer policy directions on best practice for central business districts across the UK. It commissioned a team from City-REDI (University of Birmingham) and the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver a research programme, supported by an independent Advisory Panel and a range of partners.
The project focused on prospects for Birmingham’s city centre business district in the medium- and longer-term, addressing two questions:
1. What is the likely long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on city centre business districts?
2. How can we ensure they remain successful as places to attract businesses and people and contribute to vibrant city centres?
An initial research phase involved an evidence and data review; workshops on ‘megatrends’; and a call for evidence. A subsequent engagement phase involved in-depth interviews with 21 businesses and stakeholders; Advisory Panel meetings to help develop future scenarios; facilitated discussions on future infrastructure, place and urban experience; supplementary individual meetings; and engagement with a broader community panel on working patterns and broader use of cities and city centres.
In March 2020 the instruction to work from home and the shutdown of hospitality and retail in the first national lockdown brought rapid and radical change to city centre business districts. Since then the economy and society has seen phases of opening up, closing down and opening up once again. Individuals and firms have had to respond in real time to a developing health and economic situation. Cities have overcome pandemics and shocks before, but the recent period has no recent precedent.
The ‘Future Business District’ Study
As part of its response to the radical changes being experienced, the Colmore Business District (Colmore BID) established the Future Business District Study to inform long-term recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and offer policy directions on best practice for central business districts across the UK. It commissioned a team from City-REDI (University of Birmingham) and the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver a research programme, supported by an independent Advisory Panel and a range of partners.
The project focused on prospects for Birmingham’s city centre business district in the medium- and longer-term, addressing two questions:
1. What is the likely long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on city centre business districts?
2. How can we ensure they remain successful as places to attract businesses and people and contribute to vibrant city centres?
An initial research phase involved an evidence and data review; workshops on ‘megatrends’; and a call for evidence. A subsequent engagement phase involved in-depth interviews with 21 businesses and stakeholders; Advisory Panel meetings to help develop future scenarios; facilitated discussions on future infrastructure, place and urban experience; supplementary individual meetings; and engagement with a broader community panel on working patterns and broader use of cities and city centres.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Commissioning body | The Colmore BID |
| Number of pages | 87 |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2021 |
Keywords
- Future Business Districts
- Covid-19
- Town Centres