The Big Interview

“This means bringing together all the key stakeholders – including the police, business owners, and employees – to come up with a design which will futureproof our night-time economy so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

“At this stage it is too early to say what my pledges will be for the coming year but I have started holding listening events. A recent one was attended by 15 key businesses and gave me the opportunity to listen to their issues and challenges.

“Safer streets, taxi ranks in lit-up areas and night-time transport were all high up on their lists; as was the Clean Air Zone double charging some drivers coming back into the city during the evening, so I am talking with the Council to discuss the negative impact the 24-hour tariff has.

“There are many similar themes facing businesses in the city, so I intend to understand their needs as well as the needs of residents in tackling as much as possible, from criminality to the way Birmingham is branded.”

As chair of Southside BID he is at the helm of a district that has blossomed into the cultural heart of Birmingham.

“My role as Chair of Southside BID is about making the area the Covent Garden of Birmingham because it is so rich in entertainment venues, diversity and heritage,” explains Lawrence. “It’s about protecting and embracing the LGBTQI+ and the Chinese community, and working with partners to make the space as amazing as possible. And all the while celebrating one of the UK’s landmark areas.”

By teaming up with other BID Chairs across the whole of the city centre to improve the vital night time economy, Lawrence now sees his responsibilities as “more joined up”.

“Both positions [Southside BID Chair and Night Time Economy Champion] work really well together and put me in a unique position to oversee things and combine the roles. It means I am ideally placed to work with the other BID Chairs to address the societal issues that affect our inner city.”

Southside is famous for its vibrant bars, clubs, theatre and retail that stretch from the steps of New Street Station, along Bristol Street and around the new Smithfield development. But that wasn’t always the case.

“At one time, the area was badly underdeveloped. It was surrounded by derelict buildings and it was fairly miserable. It has seen massive development and improvements in so many areas, especially when it comes to lighting, CCTV and safety. These may not be things that people see happening but they are aware of the improvements these make.”

Since Southside BID was established in 2011, Lawrence and his team have worked tirelessly to drive footfall, keep the area safe and clean, and lobby the City Council. A packed programme of events – such as Birmingham Pride, Chinese New Year and Summer in Southside – provide a fun and inviting place to visit. And while that certainly sounds like a hectic to-do list, for Lawrence it is very much part of his DNA. “I have been running night time venues in Birmingham for two decades, supporting the gay community and raising the area’s profile, speaking to the media as a voice of the sector.

“The LGBTQI+ community has evolved so much over that time, as we have witnessed increasing equality and tolerance. Our Pride Festival has raised our visibility and connected us to the wider community. Albert Schloss, for example, offers drag nights away from the traditional ‘Gay Village’, and is just one of the brilliant things being done that have meant the community is now more integrated and embedded.

“What we offer now is wonderful, and I am very proud of our city and everything we have achieved in terms of diversity and culture. Having said that, we still haven’t received the accolades we deserve nationally, Birmingham still feels like a hidden gem.

“But look at the likes of Colmore Row or Westside. These areas attract thousands of visitors. The Grand Hotel, for example, has gone through a beautiful refurbishment. The Commonwealth Games did an amazing job of shining a spotlight on the city around the world and we need to keep that image alive. I am prouder than ever to bring visitors here and show off what we have to offer.”

And if he finds he has a rare night off and can spend time in his neighbouring Colmore BID area, where does he like to go? “I love The Ivy and Adam’s, if I’m after a real treat. And you can’t beat cocktails at The Grand!”