Changing Spaces; Making Places - Birmingham

Birmingham

• 1.1 million in 2014, making it the second largest city in the UK after London

Industrial Heritage

• Pioneering cotton processing machines were invented in the 1730s and 1740s

• City became a hub for electroplating and the first pneumatic tyre

Steam engine revolution

• Boulton and Watt formed a partnership in 1775, transforming steam engine efficiency

Scientific Breakthrough

• First medical x-ray was taken in Birmingham in 1896

• Radar development during WW2 also advanced in the City

Patent and Export

• In the 19th and 20th centuries, the majority of British originated within 50km of Birmingham

• Today the city accounts for 25% of British manufactured exports

Industrial Revolution in Birmingham

• Early 1700s the population reached 15,000, driven by rural-to-urban migration for employment growth of the middle class with the expansion of service sectors like law and banking.

• This rapid urban growth created large working class communities to support industrial labour.

• Emergence of socio-economic housing divisions

• Known as the ‘workshop of the world’ due to its thriving metalworking and manufacturing industries.

• Redevelopment of an extensive canal network, vital for transporting goods

Industrial Advances in Birmingham

• Matthew Boulton established the world's first factory, the soho manufactory, in 1761 with 700 workers under one roof

• Key industries in the 19th century included guns, jewelry, buttons, brass and food processing

• The cadbury family built the bournville factory and a model village for workers in the cit's southeast

Economic Development in Birmingham (pre-1960's)

• Industrial growth spurred the rise of banks, insurance and legal firms.

• Lloyds bank and Midland bank were founded in Birmingham during the mid - 19th century.

Transport Infrastructure in Birmingham 19th century

• Birmingham became a hub for the National canal network

• The London to Birmingham Railway opened its midlands terminals in 1838, further connecting the city to National Trade

Birmingham from the 1900's to 1950's

• New engineering industries emerging, such as the Austin car plant (1900) in Long Bridge

• Growth of vehicle component suppliers alongside the car industry

• Dunlop tyre industry opened a factory in 1917, leading to employment of 10,000 people by the 1950s

• Development of the chemical industry, including the production of Bakelite

Economic Resilience in the 20th Century

• The city's diverse metal-working industries helped it withstand the Great Depression during the war years

• Economic growth continued throughout the first half of the 20th century

Population Growth in the 20th Century

• Driven by both increase of immigration from rural areas and other parts of the UK, such as Ireland.

• Workers lived in dense terraced housing near factories, while suburban expansion (eg. Northfield) housed the middle class and large local authority estates like Kingstanding

• Inner-city areas like Aston and Handsworth had poor-quality, high-density housing

• Post WWII, Birmingham became a destination for immigrants from South Asia and the Caribbean.

• These communities have contributed to Birmingham’s diverse cultural identity, shaping its food, festivals, and economy

Transport in the 20th Century

• Innovations like trams, railways, buses and cars enabled suburban growth and community

Population and Jobs in the 20th Century

• Predominantly white, with 60% of males in skilled trades

Land use in the 20th Century

• A ring pattern centred on the CBD, extending along arterial routes

Pollution in the 20th Century

• Industrial activity left canals, rivers and sites polluted with severe air pollution due to lack of emission controls.

Post-war Birmingham - Industrial Decline

• Prosperity in the 1950s - 60s shifted to economic struggles by the 1970s-80s, with unemployment peaking at 19.4% in 1952

• The 1973 oil crisis caused a global economic shock due to increased competition from TNCs offering more reliable producers (eg. Japanese cars)

• Government incentives led foreign car manufacturers to invest outside the west midlands

• Labour disputes in the 1970s further discouraged investments

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) faced difficulties

• Many inner-city industrial sites were lost to slum clearance

• High rates on purpose-built premises hindered growth.

Housing Post-War Birmingham

• WWII left 5,000 homes destroyed, and post-war efforts saw over 89,000 new homes built by 1970

• Tower block and peripheral estates were developed, redistributing populations

• Green belt policies limited urban sprawl, raising land values near

Demographic changes in Birmingham

• Post-1930s saw significant migration from the Caribbean, South Asia and the far East

• Immigrants settled in inner-city areas, driving cultural and religious diversity: growth of mosques, temples and ethnic businesses

• Birmingham developed a youthful population (38% under 24) compared to England (31%)

Recent regeneration in Birmingham

• Local government efforts have promoted towards investment, leading to the construction of the NEC and expansion of Birmingham International Airport, boosting the international conference and exhibition market.

• Accessed funding through national schemes like City challenge, single regeneration budget and new deal for communities to redevelop industrial areas and improve infrastructure

EU contributions

• Secured £235 million from the EU social investment fund (2014-20) and funding for projects such as SMEA premises and social housing improvements

Flagship Developments

• International convention centre and symphony hall (1991) attracted global conferences and supported cultural growth, such as the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Bull Ring Redevelopment

• Bull Ring redevelopment and the Selfridges store cemented Birmingham's reputation as a leading retail hub

• New influences

• changing of industry

• Outside the Bullring is St Martin’s church a Victorian church

  • Modern vs Old architecture

• The Birmingham Bullring got its name from a historical practice of bull-baiting, where bulls were tied to a ring in the Corn Cheaping area for entertainment before being slaughtered. This "ring" was an iron hoop used to tether the bulls. The bull-baiting tradition was a popular spectacle in markets, and the Bull Ring was located near the butcher's shambles,

Canal Revitalisation

• Locations like Gas Street Basin, with contributions from the canal and River Trust and Private Players

Educational Impact

• Universities with 50,000 students bring significant economic benefits, creating jobs and driving local spreading

Transport Infrastructure

• New Street Station transformed into a Grand Central with £700 million investment, creating 1,000 jobs

• 'Midlands metro light rail' links Birmingham to surrounding areas, with ongoing expansions

• HS2 high-speed rail will connect Birmingham to London in 50 minutes, stimulating employment and investment

Legacy Motorway Networks

• Birmingham remains a key hub for UK motorways, with the M6, M5, M1 and M42 supporting regional and national connectivity

Future Planning

• Birmingham development plan (BDP) guides development and regeneration up to 2031, focusing on housing, jobs, services and infrastructure

Birmingham as a palimpsest

Industrial past: factories, canals, and working class neighbourhoods.

Modern regeneration: shopping districts, creative industries, and cultural diversity

1700s - Pre-Industrial Birmingham

• Birmingham is a market town known for its skilled craft industries, including metalworking and jewellery.

1760s-1830s - Industrial Revolution

Key developments:

• Rapid industrialisation transforms Birmingham into the ‘workshop of the world’

• Growth of metal, including the production of tools, weapons and jewellery

• Development of an extensive canal network to transport goods

Economic impact:

• Birmingham becomes a hub of manufacturing and trade

• Expansion of working-class neighbourhoods near factories.

1870s-1900s - Urbanisation and Infrastructure

• Birmingham develops urban infrastructure, including railways, public transport, and Victorian civic buildings.

Growing inequality:

• Affluent suburbs like Edgbaston contrast with poor inner-city areas.

1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and WWII

• Economic downturn during the Depression leads to unemployment and poverty.

• WWII bombings destroy parts of the city,, setting the stage for post-war rebuilding

1950s-1970 - Post-War Migration and Deindustrialisation

Migration:

• Immigrants from South Asia and the Caribbean arrive to fill labour shortages.

• New communities develop in like Sparkhill and Handsworth, adding cultural diversity.

Deindustrialisation:

• Decline of manufacturing industries leading to widespread unemployment and urban decay in some areas.

• Inner-city areas face social challenges, including poverty and inequality

2000s-Present - Regeneration and Cultural Renaissance Regeneration Projects

• Big City Plan revitalises central Birmingham (e.g. Bullring, Grand Central)

• Former industrial areas like Digbeth become hubs.

Cultural Impact:

• Vibrant cultural scene reflects the influence of migrant communities.

• Success of Peaky Blinders shines a spotlight on Birmingham’s industrial past, boosting tourism and global recognition.

Peaky Blinders

• Based in the inter-war period

• Reflects the social and economic issues in Birmingham.

• All characters struggle with PTSD caused by the war

Key features of contemporary Birmingham

Big City Plan (2008)

• A long-term development plan to transform Birmingham’s city centre.

Key Projects: (how change has influenced present day meanings)

• Bullring and Grand Central: Modern retail and transport hubs that replaces outdated infrastructure.

• Brindleyplace: Transformed from industrial warehouses into a leisure district with offices, restaurants, and cultural venues.

• Creation of public spaces like Centenary Square and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Impact: (how change has influenced present day meanings)

• Attracts businesses, shoppers and tourists

• Enhances Birmingham’s role as a global city

Key features of contemporary Birmingham

Cultural diversity

continuity in terms of Birmingham’s recent past - 2 generations.

change from 2-300 years ago

• Birmingham is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK

Key communities:

• South Asian Influence: festivals like Diwali and food hubs in Sparkhill (“Balti Triangle“).

• Afro-Caribbean Influence: cultural contributions in music (reggae and grime), cuisine and events like the Birmingham Carnival.

Impact:

• Diversity enriches Birmingham’s cultural landscape, making it a vibrant and inclusive city.

• Strong local businesses and community ties reflect this multicultural identity

Key features of contemporary Birmingham

Economic transition

• Birmingham has shifted from manufacturing to services and creative industries.

Key Sectors:

• Education: home to 5 universities

• Industries: growth in tech, design and media in areas like Digbeth (Birmingham’s “Creative Quarter“).

• Financial services: the city hub for banking and professional services.

Impact:

• Boosts employment in high-skilled jobs.

• Revitalised areas like the Jewellery Quarter (silver smiths. Birmingham Assay is an anchor) now combine heritage with innovation