BIRMINGHAM - Structural Economic Change CASE STUDY
Economic Change: Deindustrialisation
History
Industrial background since 5th Century
1700s - Soho Manufactory
Austin Car Plant and Dunlop Tyres in 19th/20th Centruy
Global recession of 1970s, 1973 oil crisis - Israeli war led to rising oil prices
Birmingham's industry suffered as they could not compete with overseas competition e.g Japanese car makers- Peugeot and Renault
Frequent strikes in 70s made B'ham less attractive to potential investors
Slum clearance destroyed many small industrial properties , new builds were unaffordable for start-ups
IMPACTS
less money created and less investment in the area
unemployment
cycle of decline
family breakdowns and addiction problems
Post- Deindustrialisation Characteristics
industrial decline and decay:
abandoned and dilapidated areas
unemployment
graffiti, vandalism and litter
Economic Change: Regeneration
Local Government
EU
National Government 💥
Canal and River Trust
John Lewis
Grand Central shopping centre
City Challenge and Single Regeneration Budget Schemes - funding for redevelopment
1999 New Deal for Communitites (NDCs) - broadband access and work experience
Promoted city region, attracting inward investment for construction of National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and expansion of Birmingham International Airport (BIA)
EU Social Investment Fund 2014-2020, to improve social housing and premises for SMEs, £235m
In 2010 the charity regenerated Gas St. Basin and Brindley Place
Universities
50,000 Students, youthful profile, brings wealth, big market
HS2
£20bn high speed rail link between B'ham and London
IMPACTS
Job creation
social cohesion, improved living environment
encourages further investment
more tourism, inputs to economy
high speed rail, access to further jobs in London and its associated wealth
NEC = 10,000 jobs
Helped 39 NDC areas covering, health & regeneration, employment & business, education & lifelong learning
East side rebranded as a 'learning and technology' quarter
universities
created 1000 jobs, estimated 50m visitors per yr
excitement and novelty may wear off, short-term boom
most effective for long-term change, positive upward spiral of investment