A Wikipedia-style website could help to shape the future development of Birmingham, it was revealed yesterday.
The idea is one of a number put forward by the "Big Ideas" committee, which is made up of leading figures from the city's business, cultural and political communities.
Organised by regeneration consultants Urban Initiatives, the committee also includes a 'city team' - young citizens and professionals who will help to shape the plan throughout the next 20 years.
The group, which met for the first time this month, has been asked to come up with 10 ideas to help to create the city of the future.
If approved, the website could be a world first and would allow residents to log in and add their own ideas on issues such as transport, regeneration, business and the environment.
City Team member Stef Lewandowski, owner of Birmingham design agency 3Form, has been tasked with developing ways to use the internet to consult city residents about the proposed masterplan.
He said a 'wiki' could open up the process to those who were passionate about the city's future.
On his blog, Mr Lewandowski said: "We were discussing how it is possible for people to get involved in such a large project and for there to be a feeling of ownership by the general populace of the city over the plans for where
they live. A Wiki Masterplan could be the solution." James Robertson, webmaster for Birmingham City University, said it could be a great way to get people involved, as long as it was well moderated.
He said: "A wiki is a website that anyone can edit and it's obvious advantages it that anyone can contribute thoughts and ideas to it.
"But this is also its biggest disadvantage because it can be abused."
Mr Robertson cited the recent high profile case where a number of national newspapers were forced to issue corrections after it was claimed TV theme tune composer Ronnie Hazlehurst wrote a hit for pop group S Club 7.
He added: "As long as there was a moderator stopping those who profane and inflame, then it could be wonderful idea. Of course the consultants would need to get out into the real world too. Figures suggest that only one per cent of people who visit a website will contribute to it."
A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said the wiki was one of many ideas it would be taking into consideration.
He said: "Once we have established the 'ten big ideas' which will underpin the new city plan we will be seeking to consult as widely as possible on the shape of the actual plan itself. The idea of setting up a 'Wikipedia' style blog is just one of the options we have discussed."
