Urban issues and challenges

What is the location of birmingham ?

It is a city in the west midlands extending across the welsh borders. It is south of Telford, east of wolverhamptom and west of leicester.

How does migration affect Birmingham ?

• Migration - Most migrants who move to birmingham often wecome a strong cultural diversity introducing many foods from other countries. They also welcome many businesses increasing the access to jobs and employment

• Age structure - Most immigrants often move to cities at a young age meaning they are on the verge of starting families therefore increase the demand of school spots resulting in more teaching jobs

• Population - If the population is relatively young then this means that the population will rapidly increase therefore increase the population gradually.

what are the oppurtunities in birmigham ?

• Cultural diversity allows people to experience different foods and religions.

• 5 universities and over 60000 students provide high level education which can possibly welcome access to jobs for the future.

• 140 shops within bullring brings many jobs for the economy.

• Urban greening such as planting more trees and introducing more cycle paths is better for the environment meaning people will feel more comfortable living in the city

What are challenges in birmingham ?

• the decline in the manufacturing industry means Less things are manufactured in Birmingham now as it is cheaper to make things abroad. This has led to factories shutting down such as the Rover factory in Longbridge causing builidngs to get derelict Therefore there is a loss of jobs.

• Rapid urbanisation has meant that housing has had to be built on greenfield sites. This leads to urban sprawl. In 2015 it was estimated that Birmingham needed 89000 new houses, but there is only space for 51100. Waste disposal is also an issue

• Migration has led to pockets of the city where people from different ethnic backgrounds tend to live. This can cause social tension.

explain the birmingham regeneration project ?

The New Street Train Station which is connected to Grand Central was once voted the ugliest train station in the UK. 170,000 passengers a day use Birmingham New Street. Now, New Street is the busiest station outside London, with a train leaving every 37 seconds. The old train station gave a poor impression of Birmingham.

It now has panels of ETFE a plastic that is also recyclable and lets in lots of light to the central atrium while and reduces heat loss. 36 escalators & 15 lifts have improved access to the trains.