A new retail strategy has been launched today for Birmingham city centre which is aimed at transforming its retail offering.

The strategy is aimed at building on the existing strengths of the retail core and its distinctive character areas while at the same time taking a comprehensive view of what it has to offer.

Birmingham City Council is behind the initiative which has two key themes: the delivery of a high-quality, attractive environment with distinctive streets and places and the creation of a unique and diverse offer.

The authority said it would see the retail core's current offer expanded to include leisure, family entertainment, food and beverage and the revitalisation of key streets as well as capitalising on a range of investments currently under way such as John Lewis and Grand Central.

The vision has been developed in partnership with Retail Birmingham, the business improvement district for the retail area, and has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement.

A six-week public consultation will start on September 19 and the strategy can be downloaded from the city council's website.

Council leader Sir Albert Bore said: "Birmingham has a highly attractive and successful retail core that positions the city as one of the top destinations in the UK.

"The strategy will be integral to the ongoing transformation of the retail core and is testament to our commitment to the improvement and enhancement of the city."

Retail Birmingham chairman Jonathan Cheetham added: "The launch of the strategy is a great statement for the city providing a comprehensive vision for the future of the Retail Core.

"Partnership working and the pooling of resources will be key to delivering our ambition to strengthen the role of the centre as a top visitor destination. The involvement of retailers, businesses, landowners and developers in the implementation of the strategy will be crucial to its success."