The City of Birmingham, despite occasional setbacks, has displayed great bravery in upgrading its vision for 2040 in its ‘Our Future City’ document. The recent application consent and the release of this version 2.0 of the ‘Big City Plan’ suggests a bold step forward. The city council’s willingness to increase density in exchange for enhanced public realm demonstrates a commitment to positive urban development. Such initiatives are crucial for a city centre historically lacking green spaces beyond the former graveyards surrounding St Philip’s and St Paul’s.

However, we must recognise the significant constraints imposed by the built fabric and the challenges faced by the built environment community in the UK’s second city. Challenges brought to bear by the decision to demolish the locally listed Ringway Centre. The modernist building, maligned by some and loved by others, has been fiercely defended by the 20th Century Society, which was campaigning for its retention, just as it did successfully for the BDP-designed Preston Bus Station in 2018.

…