Birmingham Civic Society has announced the speakers for its second ‘listening and learning’ consultation which forms part of a year-long study into what defines the city.
The speakers are Dr Austin Barber, Senior Lecturer in Urban Development and Planning at the University of Birmingham, Louise Brooke-Smith, President Elect of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Georgia Stokes, Manager of Northfield EcoCentre, Ammo Talwar MBE, Chief Executive of Punch Records and Mark Rogers, Chief Executive & Director of Economy at Birmingham City Council .
Throughout 2014 the Society is conducting a wide-ranging consultation project called Birmingham’s Future: Shape Your City by asking key questions about the city. At the end of the year it will publish a report bringing together the findings.
The Society has organised three events, each to be hosted in the Library of Birmingham.
The first took place in March and asked the question ‘what does it mean to be a citizen of Birmingham?’ The second, scheduled for May, will explore how Birmingham should look and feel. The final event is planned for September 24 and will consider how, mindful of the city’s past, we can create a shared future.
Birmingham Civic Society spokesperson Cathy Connan said: “We’re conducting this ‘listening and learning’ exercise because we want to understand better the opinions of all the communities in Birmingham about citizenship, the look and feel of the city and our heritage. These are the areas in which the Civic Society is active and this input will help to inform our existing and future projects.
“We have conducted a survey ahead of the next debate, which is on the look and feel of the city.”
The Civic Society was founded in 1918 to champion civic pride and ‘work to make Birmingham a better place for its citizens, visitors and workforce’.
As part of its centenary celebrations in 2018 the Society has created the Birmingham Big Art Project which is aiming to raise at least £2 million to commission a high-profile artwork to help raise the city’s profile.
Ms Connan added: “People said they are proud of their cosmopolitan city, are pragmatic about saving structures that reflect Birmingham’s heritage (where possible they want important buildings to have a new life but recognised this needs to be balanced with cost) and want more green spaces seeing these areas as crucial to the wellbeing of those who live and work in the city.
“The survey report will be available on the evening and we hope it will help fuel a vibrant and constructive debate.”
The event takes place at the Library of Birmingham on Tuesday, May 20.
