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Birmingham’s great re-opening – special report
Get Shopping! Retail therapy ready to
Jessica Brookes
By Claudia Congrave
As a key part of the economy that accounts for almost 5.1 per cent of the UK GDP, the retail industry has been one of the hardest hit during Covid-19.
Following the impact of national lockdowns, the Office for National Statistics reported that total retail sales volumes fell by 1.9 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019, constituting the largest annual fall on record.
With the road to recovery in sight, Birmingham’s Retail Business Improvement District (Retail BID) have been hard at work ensuring that the city’s significant retail offering is in the best position to re-open and draw customers back
This month Chamberlink focuses on how Birmingham city centre and surrounding towns are preparing to open up after the Covid-19 lockdowns. It picks up on the highly successful Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce campaign ‘Keep Business Moving’. Chamberlink reporters JESSICA BROOKES and CLAUDIA CONGRAVE have been talking to business leaders, including representatives of the city’s Business Improvement Districts, across the region. Read their reports over the following pages. Pictures: Marc Kirsten
over their threshold.
Retail BID carried out a big spring clean in March, which included a deep-cleanse of streets in high footfall areas. This was carried out by specialist cleaning company Ramora Ltd, who will continue the regular cleaning programme throughout the summer.
Victoria Square is now a hive of activity as Retail BID, in partnership with Colmore BID and Birmingham City Council, hosts its ‘Summer in the Square’ initiative to support the city’s leisure and hospitality industry.
The square features sociallydistanced seating for 120 people, a band stand for live music and entertainment as well as four beach huts with vendors selling a range of food and drink.
The council’s facilitation of Temporary Pavement Licence arrangements will also see a number of pop-up pavement cafes along John Bright Street.
David Pardoe, vice-chair of the Retail BID and head of retail and marketing at Mailbox, spoke on the evolution of the shopping experience and the plans to keep people shopping in-store.
He said: “Our city’s high street offering is a huge part of what makes Birmingham so brilliant, and there is a thriving community within the Retail BID that is excited to make its return.
“Online experiences over the past 12 months have exposed a basic human need for in-person interactions; research has shown that even trips to the supermarket have been instrumental in combatting loneliness during the pandemic.
“So, whether it’s an excuse to catch up with friends after months apart, treat themselves to something new, or just a way to get out of the house and enjoy a change of scenery, I expect customers will be just as excited as we are for retail to open again.
Claudia Congrave
Jewellery Quarter set to sparkle once more
By Jessica Brookes
Despite Covid restrictions pushing consumers to shop online, there is still a huge appetite to experience the “forgotten art of shopping in person”, according to Luke Crane (pictured), executive director at the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).
Like other retail and hospitality hubs across Birmingham, this historic part of the city, famous for its renowned jewellerymaking heritage, has transformed to accommodate outdoor dining and welcome the return of shoppers hunting for a diamond deal.
Parking bays in Water Street and St Paul’s Square are being used to create more space for hospitality businesses, and temporary seating has been put in place Golden Square, adjacent to the Chamberlain Clock.
The 118-year-old beloved clock, which sits as a landmark in the Jewellery Quarter, has itself undergone a facelift in time for the easing of restrictions. Clockmakers Smith of Derby restored the clock to its former glory by treating the cast iron column with new primer and undercoat, a lick of fresh green paint and applied an English gold leaf.
Even more plans are afoot to brighten up the area, as works are underway to embed a new eco-garden at the Jewellery Quarter’s railway station. On the roads, in order to accommodate venues which are operating al fresco operations, traffic has been diverted or prohibited in several areas. Small-scale roadworks to prohibit vehicles turning left from Queensway onto Livery Street and to suspend the one-way system in the section between Lionel Street and Queensway have been implemented, to enable businesses to create outdoor hospitality areas within a safe space.
Alongside the various projects and logistical acrobatics that the BID have had to perform, Luke paid tribute to venues on their compliance with the new rules.
He said: “Our venues have been working hard to adapt to comply with Covid restrictions and social distancing so their customers can enjoy themselves in safety. These include the installation of perspex screens, sanitisation stations and outdoor furniture.”
Luke expects to see more shoppers out in person, as there is huge appetite from consumers, as restrictions ease.
He said: “The lockdown has meant that many have had to adapt their shopping sprees to online sales. However, there is a huge appetite to get back out there and experience that forgotten art of shopping in person!
“As lockdown restrictions are eased, we think a visit to the Jewellery Quarter will be more about the experience as a whole, and we’ll start to see retail, food and drink and other entertainment begin to be rolled in to one event. The Jewellery Quarter is a tourist destination at the end of the day.”
He added: “If people want to continue to enjoy the Jewellery Quarter as a haven of small independents, then they need to come out and support local.
“We have over 700 independent retailers in the Quarter all offering the most unique of experiences. It’s so important that shoppers come out and spend with these fantastic traders to ensure the longevity of the Jewellery Quarter and to push our local economy forwards.”
speed the region’s recovery
“The BID is doing all we can to support our stores, whilst ensuring visitors can enjoy a comfortable and safe environment at all times.
“Retail is so much more than just a transaction; it’s an experience, and at Mailbox we are continually looking for ways to excite new visitors and attract footfall in a responsible way to support our occupiers.
“For example, industry stalwarts such as Harvey Nichols, which holds pride of place at the Mailbox, continue to deliver success with this thinking. By creating and nurturing relationships with brands, influencers and customers in bolstering its in-store offering, Harvey Nichols has positioned itself as a destination more than anything else.”
Selfridges, one of Birmingham’s most indulgent retailers, have introduced a host of new retail spaces which they hope will drive more sustainable fashion sales.
Sam Watson, Selfridges general manager, said: “We are thrilled to reopen our doors and to invite customers to discover the experiences Selfridges Birmingham has to offer. While we’ve been staying connected through our digital channels and virtual experiences, we have a whole host of in-store experiences, exclusive launches and product edits planned that we know our customers have been missing.
“With sustainable shopping at the heart of everything we do, we’re proud to be launching a host of new retail spaces with COW Vintage, a Barbour Repair Factory and the chance to get old trainers revived with The Sneaker Doc.
“Whether it’s a much overdue beauty appointment at one of our counters, some takeaway food from our delicious new Greek restaurant Kouzina or simply being able to browse and try on clothes in-store, our customers will be able to safely indulge in the unique Selfridges instore experience.”
Despite the hit taken by retail in the past year, the Birmingham Retail BID are optimistic that the region has done more than enough to entice customers back this spring.
David added: “Although uncertainty remains on what the future of the retail industry looks like, this isn’t the first time the high street has been challenged by online shopping’s popularity, and the demand for physical stores is unlikely to disappear.
“However, it’s important that our city’s retailers continue to innovate and adapt and offer Birmingham’s visitors something new to experience in store, as we continue to evolve.”
Evolving: David Pardoe says city’s retailers must continue to innovate
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By Claudia Congrave
Known as the cultural heart of Birmingham, Southside is a vibrant and diverse scene that is home to the Chinese Quarter, the Gay Village, Theatreland and a plethora of businesses.
Working behind the scenes to support those businesses throughout the pandemic, the Southside Business Improvement District (BID) has continued its work to ensure that the area is in the best position to welcome visitors back this summer.
As the district phases their reopening over the next few months, chair of the Southside BID, Lawrence Barton, has shared his optimism for bringing the district back to life.
He said: “As the cultural heart of Birmingham, Southside is home to a huge number of independent and iconic businesses across the leisure and hospitality sector. The past year has had a devastating effect on many businesses, and as a BID we are focused on doing everything we can to support their reopening and create a safe and welcoming environment for visitors to return.
“A big focus for us is maximizing outdoor space, which will continue to be a priority for businesses and customers for the foreseeable future. We will be relaunching the Southside StrEATery after its success last year, which saw us pedestrianise Hurst Street to allow venues to increase their capacity outside, resulting in a 25 per cent increase in revenue for participating restaurants.”
Last year, eateries used outdoor areas to extend their capacities in a safe and socially distanced way, including Pepper Chef, Topokki, The Dragon Inn, Missing and The Loft Lounge, Eden Bar, Miss Vietnam, Chili Kitchen and Malaysian Delight.
Lawrence added: “This year’s initiative will see additional venues added, so we can give our businesses as much support as possible throughout the important summer months. The development of creative, safe and welcoming outdoor spaces will remain a longterm focus for Southside.”
In a bid to rejuvenate the arts and culture sector and draw people back to the venues, Southside are driving investments in Hippodrome Square and have plans to build on the area’s existing infrastructure.
BID brings optimism back to Southside
Venues need our support: Lawrence Barton
He continued: “Work on the £9.5m redevelopment of Hippodrome Square is now underway, due for completion in spring 2022, which will see new street furniture, lighting, as well as the introduction of more trees into the space, creating a flexible space for visitors to enjoy. The redevelopment also includes plans to expand the famous Hippodrome.”
The refurbishment proposal was put forward by the Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architectural practice and was granted permission from Birmingham City Council.
It will introduce a first floor terrace and an external seating and refreshment area at street level. The project will also create new rehearsal space at second and third floors, a new performance space and entrance on Inge Street.
Lawrence stressed that working collaboratively with local venues and arts organisations has been key in confirming the district’s signature events this year.
“Southside is home to a diverse range of festivals, from Chinese New Year to Birmingham Pride, and we are working collaboratively with our venues and arts organisations on a new festivals strategy for the district. This September, the iconic Birmingham Pride event will return, giving us a chance to shine a spotlight once again on our city and Gay Village.”
Those performing at this year’s Birmingham Pride include Cheryl Cole, Eve, Katy B, Sophie EllisBextor, Ms Banks, Boney M., Baga Chipz and Rainbow Voices.
With many provisions in place to ensure Southside’s safe and prosperous return, the district is sure to be buzzing once more and welcomes people from across the region to aid businesses in their recovery.
Lawrence concluded: “It won’t be an easy road to recovery. Southside is full of pioneering businesses who have battled to survive, and now they need all of our support so they can rebuild and thrive.”
New marquees stand as symbol of renewal
By Jessica Brookes
Marquees that have popped up on Broad Street stand as ‘totems of renewal’ for the hospitality sector, according to Mike Olley, chair of Westside Business Improvement District (BID).
In preparation for reopening the Westside area of Birmingham, including Broad Street, scores of outdoor seating areas and marquees have been dotted along the area so that more venues can entertain guests.
Late night venues such as Velvet Music Rooms, Coyote Ugly and Players Bar have now reopened for outdoor hospitality, alongside other venues in and around Brindleyplace such as Craft Dining, All Bar One and Bank Birmingham.
In order to entertain thirsty punters, venues on Broad Street have been granted pavement licenses. All the new outdoor areas will be in place until phase three of the Government’s ‘roadmap plans’ to lift restrictions.
According to Westside BID, thousands enjoyed hospitality venues in the area when Covid restrictions relaxed in early April.
For Mike, the marquees symbolise renewal from the pandemic.
He said: “These marquees are going to be like totems or symbols of renewal as we come out of the phase three of the roadmap. I think the marquees themselves are quite significant.
“But they are a short term thing in many respects, because come 17 May we’re all going indoors, and the marquees will come down.
“But in that interim period of just five weeks or so, the marquees will stand there as totems of renewal.”
Looking to the future, Mike says that due to the tram extension widening the pavements on Broad Street, the area may be set for an economic boom due to a new early evening economy emerging.
He said: “With the people that live in the area, I think what we’re going to have is an early evening economy emerge, because people are going to go to work, they are going to work from home as well, and when they go to work they are going to make a day and a night of it. That’s where you get the early evening economy emerging.
“I think that a café society kind of thing will be on Broad Street, because of the broader pavements, because of the technology that is there to make the outside experience warm, cosy and inviting.
“I think we’re going to have a whole new economy which is going to satisfy the changing work patterns and the people that are now living in the area, which tend to be young professionals with high disposable income. It is going to really change Broad Street.”
But for now Mike says that consumers must return to venues, or they risk losing them for good.
He said: “You need people coming into your premises to get the economic activity going, because without that economic activity, if we’re not buying, selling and trading among ourselves, then we’re all going to be damaged financially ultimately.
“We need to go out for our economic and our social health, and if that doesn’t happen, then venues will simply have to close.”
