Public get say in drive to create ‘major global city’ by 2030
AMBITIOUS plans to build Birmingham into a major global city by 2030 have been revealed.
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is inviting the public to get involved in shaping the next stage of its economic plan which maps out the future growth of the city region over the next 14 years.
Called ‘ A Greater Birmingham for a Greater Britain’, it aims to lay the foundation for creating long-term economic prosperity, supporting local people and improving their quality of life. As well as tapping into the opportunities arising from HS2, the plan includes targets to create an additional 250,000 private sector jobs, increase education among the working population, reduce unemployment levels to that of similar regions and increase productivity.
The plan highlights the priorities of becoming a world leader in innovation and creativity and harnessing the potential of key areas of strength including in high-value manufacturing, transport and energy.
It also takes advantage of the area’s global connections and the opportunity presented by HS2 as crucial to increasing exports and inward investment. The third planned prior- ity is about creating stronger conditions for growth to address the barriers that could otherwise hold back the region’s potential.
The LEP has worked closely with local authorities, the private sector and higher education institutions to create the plan. It is a key component of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s shared plan ‘Making Our Mark’, which aims to make the West Midlands the best place in the UK to do business.
Steve Hollis, deputy chairman for strategy with the LEP, said: “The transformation in our economy is clear – we are leading the way for inward investment, business startups and job creation.
“And we believe our track record of delivery means that we have earned the right to be bold. Our vision is for Greater Birmingham to take its place among the global elite to become a truly global city by 2030.”
All views and feedback will go towards shaping the final plan – the deadline to take part is September 9. More details can be found the LEP’s website.