City can weather storm, says council leader Mike Whitby
BIRMINGHAM is well prepared to weather the economic storm, its city leader has predicted.
In his annual State of the City report, city council leader Coun Mike Whitby said Birmingham was now one of Europe’s most thriving and vibrant cities.
Coun Whitby told a meeting of the full council last night how in all areas the city was moving forward.
The £600 million regeneration of New Street Station and the £193 million replacement for Birmingham Library were two massive projects finally going ahead.
Birmingham was also forging important new business links with the two world powerhouses of India and China.
This included setting up for the first time a dedicated “India desk” at the city council to concentrate on developing trade and investment links.
And a company which specialises in monitoring cities to advise businesses where to invest was so impressed with Birmingham it had chosen the city for its largest relocation of staff.
The transformation of Eastside would open up a new Eastern Corridor linking the city centre, airport and NEC and bring valuable jobs.
Coun Whitby said the city’s finances were in good shape, with below-inflation council tax increases and £288 million in savings since he had been leader.
And the council’s property investment unit, under the name Team Birmingham, would have a presence for the first time at the world’s biggest property trade fair MIPIM next March.
He said the city was also excelling in recycling, education, housing, sport and culture.
Coun Whitby said: “By attracting major investment and driving out mediocrity the city is realising its full potential.”
But Labour leader Coun Sir Albert Bore said the report was “selective” in the way it presented statistics.
