Business must be at forefront of ambitious city plan - Chamber
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham hope that ambitious plans to transform Birmingham city centre will put the needs of businesses at the forefront.
Birmingham City Council yesterday launched a new 20-year plan to deliver “unprecedented ” levels of new jobs, homes and green space.
Council chiefs say 'Our Future City: Central Birmingham Framework 2040 ' would double the city 's green spaces to a level comparable with Vienna and double Birmingham 's network of active travel routes to 200km.
The plan also include a change to the city's ring road, transforming it into a "green way," reducing reliance on cars and improving public transport options.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said that while there is much to admire about the plan, the council must consider the practical impact on businesses who are battling against significant economic challenges.
Raj Kandola, director of External Affairs at the GBCC, said: “The launch of Birmingham City Council 's City Plan represents an eye-catching strategy underpinned by ambitious measures based on reducing congestion, creating thousands of jobs, building new homes and maximising the benefits of once in a lifetime project such as HS2 - in short, there 's a lot to admire in principle.
“However, the devil will be in the detail and with any plan of this scale, the practical ramifications for the business community will need to be scrutinised, especially for those firms that have been knocked from pillar to post over the last two years as soaring inflation, rocketing energy bills and ingrained labour shortages have all piled on the pressure for businesses in the city.
“As part of the consultation process, we will work with our members to gather their feedback on the plan and represent their views. We look forward to working with Council stakeholders to ensure that this strategy drives economic growth in an ambitious and sustainable manner, with the needs of businesses at the heart of it. ”
The city plan announcement launched against a backdrop of media speculation regarding Birmingham City Council, following a leaked report from Labour's Birmingham Campaign Improvement Board, a body appointed by the National Executive.
Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, added: “Any eye-catching plan requires strong leadership to ensure its successful delivery.
“We hope to see a swift and effective resolution to the issues raised so that Birmingham City Council can focus on delivery of essential services and working with businesses and residents on tackling the significant challenges of the present, while setting the course for a prosperous, inclusive future. ”