LIVE birmingham

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BIRMINGHAM – A CITY CALLED HOME Louise Gordon, blogger, takes us on a tour of her favourite places around Birmingham.

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WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BIRMINGHAM From fine dining to street food, the best places to visit around the city.

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MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IN BIRMINGHAM See just how much more property you can get for your money in the Birmingham area.

BIRM ING HAM B

irmingham. A city alive with music, film, bars, shops, festivals, street cuisine, big green spaces and much much more.

A city with an amazing past, and now with an unbelievable future. A city full of surprises.

No other UK city seems to have been reborn with such zest and a can-do attitude. Its youthful outlook, entrepreneurial spirit and lust for life is contagious.

o t r a p e B r ansf t

Foodies, theatre lovers, comedy connoisseurs, night lifers, sport enthusiasts, culture vultures, shopaholics and fashionistas are all in their element.

Oh, and it’s a really affordable place to live, work and play!

Style & Fashion

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Publication created by Marketing Birmingham.

A city called home

Festivals & Events

03 BIRMINGHAM – A CITY CALLED HOME Louise Gordon, blogger, takes us on a tour of her favourite places around Birmingham.

04 PARIS, NEW YORK, MILAN. Tereza, a Czech girl living in Birmingham, talks about the cosmopolitan vibe that the city has.

y t i c a of med r o f 0715

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05 WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BIRMINGHAM From fine dining to street food, the best places to visit around the city.

07 WOW IS SO NOW! Emma, lifestyle and fashion blogger, believes that Birmingham has the WOW factor when it comes to shopping.

09 IT’S ALL GOING ON David Massey, freelance social manager, gives us the low-down on the ‘must-visit’ festivals and events over the year.

11 CULTURE AT THE HEART Ashley, Marketing Manager, talks about one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the UK. 13 SOMETHING FOR THE FAMILY The city has more attractions than a giant funfair – so every member of the family is going to be happy happy happy.

15 PRETTY GREEN It’s a city with some beautiful, green, open spaces – take a look at some of the best parts.

17 BE A GOOD SPORT Nick Clitheroe explains why Birmingham is rapidly becoming ‘the City of Sport’.

19 LET US ENTERTAIN YOU The city boasts some of the finest entertainment and leisure venues in the country.

21 MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Living in Birmingham is more affordable than most other big cities.

23 ADDRESS TO IMPRESS Take a look at what properties you can live in – buying or renting.

25 RELOCATION RELOCATION RELOCATION Where to live and work as well as the schools available.

27 AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING At the centre of the country, location is perhaps the city’s greatest attraction.

Culture & Entertainment

Green spaces

BIRMINGHAM LIVING

BIRMINGHAM

A CITY CALLED HOME I’m always very proud to say I’m a Brummie born and bred, and there is nothing more I like to do with my weekends than enjoy my favourite haunts around the city as well as discovering new things and places.

on d r o G e s i Lou

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he suburb of Harborne is the place I call home, a hub of buzzing restaurants, gastro pubs, shops and sports clubs, ideal for anyone new to the city, especially as the area has a real cosy, community feel. Though this village concept in the middle of the city might seem unusual it can be seen throughout many of the city’s neighbourhoods, making Birmingham not only an easy city to settle into but also move around.

For the perfect start to any weekend a breakfast in the Plough is a must, and along with many of the other establishments in the area, you can expect great service and local produce.

As a young professional I find I get the best of both worlds in Birmingham. A city that enjoys both a booming economy with endless career opportunities as well as an excellent quality of life.

What more could a 25-year-old want!

What I love about dining out and drinking here is the vast range of independents on offer such as The Butchers Social, a pop-up bar which now has a large following thanks to their great drinks and even better food (the salted caramel chicken wings are incredible!). Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, Harborne has its very own Michelin Star restaurant – Turners.

The city centre is a mere 15 mins away via public transport or a pleasant 45 min walk. A favourite area of mine is Colmore Row; the business district of the city and boasting some of the best bars and restaurants in Birmingham. The quirky Lost and Found bar, with its intriguing 03

Victorian botanical interior, has some of the best cocktails in town. Recently, I’ve discovered some real hidden gems such as The Jekyll and Hyde and a new place called Nosh and Quaff.

I very rarely go away for the weekend as there is always so much on offer in the city. The only down side to living in Birmingham is having to constantly play host, as friends from other cities always want to come and stay here.

Louise Gordon frequently contributes to the Visit Birmingham blog.

Read more of her articles at visitbirmingham.com/explorebirmingham/blog/

BIRMINGHAM LIVING

Tereza

PARIS, NEW YORK, MILAN. That’s exactly what crosses your mind when you walk down the main shopping area, New Street, or when you’re standing at the top of the grand Library of Birmingham, which houses over a million books.

At the top, you only just begin to realise how immense the city is – with historical spires, clock towers and roofs reaching up to the sky, hundreds of homes, offices and shops, and millions of little dots zigzagging through their daily lives.

And among those millions of little dots you find some of the most talented people – stylists, designers, chefs, lawyers who make the whole city buzz.

What strikes me the most about Birmingham’s scene is the cosmopolitan vibe and the healthy pinch of heritage. I mean – where else can you walk through a beautiful Victorian arcade, buy a French tart and an American T-shirt at the same time?

It always makes my heart skip a little when I walk down to St Martin’s Church and look up – a church from the 13th century surrounded by trees and flower beds right next to my favourite burger place and just a few steps away from Selfridges and all the shops a girl can dream of.

This is Birmingham, a city where you feel at home no matter where you’re really from, no matter what your style is. It’s a city that embraces it all and brings out the best of you – and that’s what I love about it the most.

Tereza Kohutova is a 26-year-old Czech girl living in Birmingham.

To read more of her adventures in the city, visit her blog cityscape-bliss.com

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FOOD & DRINK

ed m h A d e Ahm

With a background as a freelance writer Ahmed Ahmed started Dine Birmingham to shout about the fantastic food and drink scene in the city.

Photographer Matthew Grocoot.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BIRMINGHAM Recommendations from Dine Birmingham, the city’s local food and drink guide.

Birmingham’s gastronomic reputation has exploded in recent years, thanks to a boom in independent restaurants, a street food revolution, and - of course more Michelin stars than any English city outside London...

FOR FINE DINING: PURNELL’S RESTAURANT A truly local gem, this Michelin-starred restaurant is the establishment of Glynn Purnell, arguably the city’s most renowned chef. In this elegant corner of Cornwall Street, he produces imaginative menus, often with a nod to local traditions and foods.

Also try: Carters of Moseley, Turners, Simpsons, Adam’s FOR COFFEE: YORK’S BAKERY CAFE

R D & D O FO

Birmingham is brimming with independent coffee shops, and York’s Bakery Cafe on Stephenson Street is a fine example.

With oodles of character and a trendy, friendly atmosphere, this is a spot to while away hours with a finely brewed coffee and a delicious slice of cake.

To search for Birmingham restaurants and bars by cuisine and location, visit www.dinebirmingham.co.uk.

Also try: Six Eight Kafe, Urban Coffee, Boston Tea Party 05

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FOOD & DRINK

FOR CRAFT BEER & REAL ALE: THE WELLINGTON

FOR COCKTAILS: THE EDGBASTON

‘The Welly’, as we locals affectionately dub it, is a no-nonsense pub whose dedication to real ale and small-batch brews predates the current craft beer craze. Thus you’ll find all of the beers and none of the posing, as sixteen regular brews are joined by dozens of guest ales.

For unadulterated drinking decadence, it has to be the Edgbaston Boutique Hotel.

The seductive setting sets the scene for tipples like the Silver Screen, a blend of single malt whisky, lemon butterscotch and popcorn soda.

Also try: The Post Office Vaults, Cherry Red’s FOR STREET FOOD: DIGBETH DINING CLUB Birmingham’s original street food party is a regular weekend gathering of mobile vendors serving up anything from Malaysian noodle dishes to smoked sea bass and jambalaya. Then there’s retro videogaming and house music to keep you entertained.

Also try: Brum Yum Yum, Taste & Liquor

Also try: Island Bar, Bar Opus, The Botanist FOR SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD: BODEGA A perennial favourite, Bodega Bar and Cantina is a lively, casual eatery specialising in Latin American comida.

From Brazilian fish stews to Mexican burritos, to exotic cocktails featuring Peruvian pisco, their menu will spice up any date night or get-together.

Also try: Wrapchic (The Indian burrito company) FOR PUB GRUB: THE PLOUGH

FOR INDIAN CUISINE: LASAN If you’re seeking the authentic Birmingham balti, head to Sparkbrook and the Balti Triangle. Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter is an evolution of Indian cuisine, serving British-Indian fusions like Devonshire duck served in South Indian sauté.

Also try: Raja Monkey, Itihaas, Asha’s, Pushkar FOR CHINESE FOOD: CHUNG YING Three words: dim sum heaven.

Chung Ying has rightly earned its place as the city’s grande-dame of Cantonese cuisine. Its building dominates Chinatown and its comprehensive menu boasts all manner of authentic Eastern delights.

Also try: Henry Wong’s, Manchester Seafood (Birmingham) 06

Harborne’s local has long been co-opted by the rest of Birmingham, who flock there for the woodfired pizzas, juicy burgers, and buzzing atmosphere.

The beer garden is a prime spot for chilling, while anyone wanting a table indoors should book, even on Tuesdays.

Also try: The Fighting Cocks, The Village Moseley FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD: BISTRO 1847 Victorian shopping complex the Great Western Arcade is where you’ll find this gourmet vegetarian venue. Forget tofu and sandals - 1847 serves up high-quality dishes that just happen to be meat-free.

The ‘fish and chips’ are recommended.

Also try: The Warehouse Cafe

STYLE & FASHION

lli i r a n n a I Emma

Fashion and lifestyle blog fashion-mommy.com

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When it comes to chic style and city slick fashion, Birmingham is most definitely a shopper’s paradise. From the shiniest of new department stores to bright and vibrant independents, the city really has got it all for the style seekers, hipsters and bargain hunters alike.

WOW IS SO NOW! A CITY OOZING ‘WITH-IT’ STYLE AND NOW FASHION

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STYLE & FASHION

ARCADES The Great Western Arcade is overflowing with great independents, all housed in a beautifully restored Victorian Arcade.

Local artisans, handmade boutiques and even a fantastic independent wine shop, Loki - great fun! Piccadilly Arcade houses an eye-catching array of gift shops, fashion boutiques, beauty salons and jewellers. Well worth a visit. The Burlington Arcade is a lovely little arcade with exclusive shops, cutting edge stylists and a great pub called the Bacchus Bar. Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols

CENTRES OF ATTRACTION The Bullring is the glam heart of Birmingham shopping with over 160 brilliant shops and numerous eateries. Within the Bullring is one of the city’s most amazing buildings, Selfridges.

An astonishing palace for label shopping and premium items, including a fantastic new ‘gottatry’ beauty hall. Situated on Corporation Street is House of Fraser, home to stylish frocks, natty suits and quality homewares. I love the Biba collections and it’s definitely got the best Christmas grotto in the city.

The Mailbox is a must-visit for the serious shopper with designer names like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Emporio Armani and an incredible new Harvey Nichols store. A haven of indulgence and luxury for the city’s fashionistas, it boasts more than 200 of the most sought-after brands.

Everything oozes elegance and class – from the central beauty area and treatment rooms to the fashionwear around the perimeter and the fabulous Harvey Nichols restaurant right at the heart of the store, curated by Michelin-starred Glynn Purnell. The Mailbox itself boasts first class bars, restaurants and even a trendy cinema – what more could a girl want!

Great Western Arcade

Don’t forget to visit The Custard Factory, the creative hub of the city with an eclectic mix of vintage clothes, chilled vibes and unique purchases. Or the Jewellery Quarter, with its dazzling array of designers and makers parading classic pieces, contemporary designs and bespoke, handcrafted creations.

BIRMINGHAM’S STYLE AND FASHION OFFERING HAS DEFINITELY GOT THE WOW FACTOR, SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? ONE, TWO, THREE – SHOP!

Grand Central is the shiniest new shopping centre, situated above the redeveloped New Street station.

It looks amazing and is home to many fashionable shops, including an enormous John Lewis.

Grand Central

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L L A S ’ IT N O G N I O G A FESTIVAL OF FUN, EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES ALL YEAR ROUND The Birmingham Weekender 2015

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

ey s s a M David W

A freelance social manager who shares blogs about the City of Birmingham at brumhour.wordpress.com

The Big Hoot

Moseley Funk & Soul Festival

IF YOU WANT A TASTE OF SOME OF THE UNMISSABLE THINGS GOING ON, I’VE PICKED OUT A FEW HIGHLIGHTS THAT REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. Flatpack Festival (March) is a combined film and performance festival, featuring creative works at many venues across Birmingham. It has been surprising audiences for more than a decade now. flatpackfestival.org.uk In July, the city welcomes the Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival. It attracts artists from all over the world, lasts 10 days with both day and evening events covering 40 venues. You can find out more by searching for Birmingham Jazz Festival on Facebook.

The Moseley Folk Festival takes place in September over a three-day weekend and is fast becoming one of the most talked about events on the festival calendar. The calibre of bands is eclectic and brilliant. moseleyfolk.co.uk In October, the Birmingham Literature Festival comes to the city with writers, poets and artists showing how it’s done.

All over central Birmingham you can hear performances, new works or take part in workshops. birminghamliteraturefestival.org

A new event in 2015 was The Big Hoot.

A totally unique art installation around Birmingham that featured 89 five-foot owl sculptures designed by artists from all over the UK as well as 122 threefoot owlets designed by Birmingham schoolchildren. Very different. thebighoot.co.uk

Birmingham is pretty well known for its festivals, both in and around the city. Each year, these grow and new festivals are born. Walk across central Birmingham most days of the year and you will stumble upon something interesting and fun going on. I mean, where else can you see a six-metre tall puppet roaming the city’s streets (Godiva’s Odyssey)?

I could go on and on because there really is so much to see and do. But here’s a quick list to whet your appetite: Feb – Chinese New Year March – Flatpack Festival May – Pride June – Be Festival July – International Jazz Festival, Supersonic Festival, Taste Birmingham Food Festival, Simmer Down Festival August – International Dance Festival, Summer in Southside Sep – Artsfest, Birmingham Beer Festival, Birmingham Comedy Festival, British Science Festival, Moseley Folk Festival Oct – Birmingham Book Festival, Diwali celebrations, Fierce Festival, Hello Digital, Black International Film Festival Nov – BBC Good Food Show, Flip Festival, Frankfurt Christmas Markets Dec – Clothes Show Live 10

For further events and festivals, visit morebirmingham.com

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

VANLEY BURKE, EXHIBITING ARTIST AT IKON GALLERY ‘At Home with Vanley Burke’ is a unique exhibition that sees the entire contents of Vanley’s flat transported to the Ikon Gallery – an astonishing record of the life of African Caribbean people in post-war Britain.

CULTURE AT THE HEART HISTORY JUST GOT A LITTLE INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE AND MULTICULTURAL CITIES IN THE UK. THIS MIX AND BLEND OF CULTURES MEANS THAT WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO WATCH, SEE OR EAT, THERE ARE ENDLESS CHOICES HERE IN OUR WONDERFUL CITY. 11

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

as having a ‘particular combination of structures associated with jewellery and metalworking which does not seem to exist anywhere else in the world’.

Here you’ll find a myriad of jewellery shops selling the finest diamonds and metals. You’ll also find the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, telling the story of jewellery production in Birmingham over the last 200 years as well as exploring the Jewellery Quarter as it is today.

nnis I y e l h s A

Ashley is the Communications and Marketing Manager for Grand Central, Birmingham’s latest premium shopping and dining destination

THERE ARE SO MANY PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO THAT AREN’T SO WELL KNOWN. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO TRY, HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

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f music be your food of love, The Symphony Hall (home to the world-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) really is a must visit. One of the finest concert halls in the world, it is a top-class venue with fantastic acoustics – offering everything from classic performances to top bands and family concerts.

The Birmingham Royal Ballet is very special too. Residing in the Birmingham Hippodrome, a theatre that has a reputation of staging some of the biggest shows outside of the West End, you can see many spectacular performances like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker as well as more modern pieces. Try it, you’ll love it.

Birmingham is the home of the ‘Balti’, now world renowned and served in restaurants all over the world. Yet many people do not realise it actually originated here. There is a dedicated area within Birmingham known as ‘the Balti triangle’ where you’ll find a range of different Asian restaurants each with a different twist on the famous dish - be it from a Pakistani, Indian or Bangladeshi chef. For more details and some recipe suggestions, check out balti-birmingham.co.uk

For those interested in Art and Culture, take a trip to ‘Ikon’ an internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue located in Birmingham. Housed in a magnificent neo-gothic school building, it is an educational charity and encourages public engagement through exhibiting new work in a context of debate and participation. A variety of media is represented, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installation - entry is free to all and donations are greatly received.

The world famous ‘Jewellery Quarter’ is located a short distance away from the city centre. It’s an area of unique character, described by English Heritage as a ‘national treasure’ and 12

If you’ve a creative mind then Birmingham’s Custard Factory should be on your must-see list. Set within 15 acres of beautifully renovated riverside factories, it was built more than 100 years ago by Alfred Bird to manufacture and market his famous invention, eggless custard. Rejuvenated in the early 1990’s, it’s described as Birmingham’s very own version of Carnaby Street and Shoreditch all rolled into one. Located in Digbeth, the revolutionary arts and media quarter, it truly is one of the coolest independent shopping and leisure areas in the entire region. From Vintage Fairs to Street Food Festivals, it’s well worth checking out.

FAMILY LIVING

IT’S A CITY MADE FOR FAMILIES WITH A WHOLE ll RAFT OF DIFFERENT THINGS TO DO AND ENJOY. a h s r a M Paul

Father of two and veteran blogger on everything Birmingham & Black Country.

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or small kids, big kids and teenagers, we’ve got attractions everywhere you look.

And the great thing is, you won’t have to break the bank or melt the plastic.

Cadbury World, Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sarehole Mill and Tolkien Trail, the list goes on and on. Here are three of the best:

H T E M SO THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE

The pièce de résistance is the 360 tunnel where you get up close and personal with sharks, rays and Molokai, the Giant Green turtle.

Every visit to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham offers something new – it’s a place that is continually evolving.

This time around, there were some new notable additions - Gentoo penguins and SEA STARS. The penguins looked very pleased for themselves in their new, icy world and the starfish, well, they really are HUGE. The Giant Sun Star is the largest in the world and can grow up to one metre in diameter!

You learn loads, too. SEA LIFE is a big advocate of conservation and their Breeding, Rescue and Protect (BRP) programme has been really successful – they’re now the biggest breeder of seahorses worldwide having reared nine different species.

THE BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM

I have to admit, though, my favourite creature was the Zebra shark (donated from the BBC who wanted to film it hatching) as well as the Black Chin Guitar fish, the Blue Spotted rays and the Banana eels.

Yesterday we headed to Dudley to visit the Black Country Living Museum.

First off, let me just say that this place is ‘bostin’ (Black Country speak for great).

I must confess I went in with some trepidation as I had in tow my 5 year and 3 year old, and wasn’t certain that a historical, industrial open-air museum would hold their interest – as per usual, I was wrong - they absolutely adored it.

The characters throughout the village really bring it to life - I’m sure the kids believed these people actually live here.

My daughter loved the 4D cinema – on this occasion showing 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea where you follow the adventures of young Ned in the submarine Nautilus.

Air blasts, bubbles, leg ticklers, 3D fish and a giant squid attack!

It was ‘Black Country Goes to War’ day, and the museum had some extra entertainment. Soldiers and nurses were walking around the streets, live theatre, poetry, wartime drills, songs in the Workers’ Institute cafe. I really did think I was on the set of ‘Atonement’.

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FOR E H T

FAMILY LIVING

This old funfair was wonderful, too. First up the kids rode an old ‘Super Speedway’ carousel, followed by the Helter Skelter and then a couple of shots on the coconut shy.

G N I H

Next to the funfair is the St. James’ school.

No interactive board here! Just old school lessons and an intimidating school ma’am.

Great fun for the kids and a trip down memory lane for the oldies!

My two seater sofa had throw cushions, a foot rest, my own little table and a wine cooler. Oh this place is good. A Brioche bun, pure-bred Aberdeen Angus beef, and house sauce – as delicious as it sounds.

On reflection, the auditorium was akin to one of those private screening rooms the stars have on MTV Cribs - albeit on a larger scale.

Y L I M A F E The Bottle and Glass Inn was our next stop – a real spit and sawdust place. As I was enjoying my pint of Peaky Blinder ale (parts of the 1st and 2nd series were filmed here) I sat by a roaring fire and regressed into the good old days. Then off to Hobbs’ Fish and Chip Shop - the best chippy in the land.

Now to the real industrial part of the museum located along the canal including the foundry, the chain making shop, the mill and the forge. Here we watched skilled workers making their wares.

The smells, the soot, the grime - it really was atmospheric. Around the corner you can board a canal boat and take a ride into the limestone caverns.

This place really was surprising and a fascinating insight into this remarkable era.

EVERYMAN CINEMA

This boutique chain is held in high regard across the UK and within two minutes of entering I had my sofa assigned, a Malbec in hand and a house burger brought to my sofa. This place would definitely win an Oscar for customer care and comfort!

The lounge is suitably cool and grown-up with large black and white montages of film stars past and present adorning the walls. The low lighting added to the chic vibe and the bar is well stocked with craft beers, wines, coffees and a food menu.

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Neat little touches include a non-rustle carton for your popcorn and house lights that only come up once the credits have finished rolling. I for one will be frequenting here more than I should and if you are a resident or a visitor go as soon as you possibly can.

GREEN SPACES

Pretty

Green Green, open spaces

“Sorry to disappoint, but Birmingham today doesn’t look anything like a set from Peaky Blinders. It is a dynamic, modern, cosmopolitan and exciting city with plenty of green, open spaces in the city and just outside. Take a deep breath and enjoy a look around some of the beautiful places on offer.“ 15

Sutton Park

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

GREEN SPACES

A wonderful, peaceful garden haven

Six miles north of the city centre is one of the

located just 1.5 miles outside the city centre.

largest urban parks in Europe. Sprawling over

Boasting four spectacular glasshouses, there’s everything here imaginable including tropical rainforests, arid, desert

2,000 acres, it offers a fabulous variety of heathland, woodland, wetland, marshes and lakes - all brimming with interesting wildlife.

environments, bird houses, wildlife trails, a butterfly house and 15 acres of glorious

You can go pony trekking, ride the cycleways,

Spectacular countryside only 10 miles from the city centre, Clent Hills offers up awe-inspiring views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and the Welsh Borders.

For families and walking enthusiasts, there are miles and miles of footpaths, bridleways and trails to explore.

take the kids to the play areas and even visit

Edgbaston Guinea Gardens

the donkey sanctuary.

Now this really is a hidden gem. The land consists of the last remaining example of the detached, rented gardens that once encircled 18th century Birmingham.

The Grade-II listed gardens are home to an impressive selection of old apple and pear trees, with some dating back to the Edwardian times.

Venice, eat your heart out!

An oasis of beauty in an urban setting, Edgbaston Reservoir is a 70 acre site situated pretty near to the city centre.

Home to many species of bird life and small animals, it is surrounded by some stunning woodland and open space.

Just a great place to get on the water and for a spot of canoeing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding or windsurfing.

Clent Hills

Edgbaston Reservoir

gardens, flowers and foliage. Family events take place all year round.

Fancy a bit of leisure with your pleasure?

Cycle Routes

Whether you wish to enjoy the historic canal architecture and vibrant nightlife at Gas Street Basin or enjoy picturesque walks off the beaten track, Birmingham canals are as numerous as they are surprising. Many people take to the water and enjoy canal holidays along the vast network of meandering waters.

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Get on your bike and cycle Birmingham. There are many traffic-free cycle routes across Birmingham, through the parks and along canal towpaths.

SPORT

heroe t i l C k c i N

Sports Editor at BBC Midlands Today

BE A GOOD SPORT BIRMINGHAM REGARDS ITSELF AS THE CITY OF SPORT AND THERE’S PLENTY TO DELIGHT THE SPECTATOR FROM PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL TO WORLD-CLASS ATHLETICS.

Edgbaston Stadium

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SPORT

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ston Villa is one of the founders of the Football League and the historic Villa Park is still one of the finest grounds in English football. West Bromwich Albion is now an established Premier League force and the two sides vie for top dog status in the region. Drop into the Championship and you’ll find Birmingham City, League Cup winners as recently as 2011, and sleeping giants Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Birmingham has also become a fixture on the athletics circuit (Mo Farah loves breaking records here) and in 2018 the World Indoor Athletics championships will come to the city for the second time.

The Aegon Classic Birmingham tournament at the Edgbaston Priory Club has become increasingly important on the tennis calendar. It now attracts some of the biggest names in the women’s game as they warm up for Wimbledon.

Warwickshire’s Edgbaston Stadium has been the scene of some of the most dramatic moments in cricket history.

Remember England’s enthralling Ashes victory over Australia in 2005 or Brian Lara’s world record 501. England’s players agree it has the best atmosphere of any test venue.

Villa Park

AND IT DOESN’T END THERE - YOU CAN ENJOY TOP-LEVEL RUGBY AND SPEEDWAY AMONGST OTHER SPORTING GEMS IN THE CITY.

Grand Prix Athletics at The Barclaycard Arena

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Aegon Classic Birmingham

ENTERTAINMENT

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU SINGERS, SONGWRITERS, COMEDIANS, SPORTSPEOPLE, DANCERS, DAREDEVILS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, BIRMINGHAM BOASTS SOME OF THE FINEST ENTERTAINERS AND VENUES IN THE COUNTRY.

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he Barclaycard Arena – located in the city centre – is one of the world’s busiest, large-scale indoor arenas. It has played host to more than 30 different sports and more World Championship events than any other arena in Europe. These include the 2007 European Indoor Athletics Championships, 2012 World BMX Championships and Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships as well as some of the biggest bands, stand-up comedy acts, classical music and pop divas. In 2014, the Arena’s £26 million redevelopment was completed, featuring a brand new glass façade overlooking the canals at Brindleyplace and nearly 6000m² of new pre- and post-show space.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The opening of Resorts World Birmingham in October 2015 has created a 24/7 destination at the NEC site. It offers visitors, exhibitors and organisers the opportunity to network and socialise outside the hours of their event. It is the country’s first fully integrated destination leisure and entertainment complex, boasting a cinema, casino, spa, retail outlets, conference centre and 5 star luxury hotel accommodation.

The Barclaycard Arena

Located alongside Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the UK’s number one venue and welcomes around 2.1 million visitors to over 500 events each year. It hosts some of the most popular exhibitions in the country, including Crufts, Clothes Show Live and Horse of the Year Show, it also celebrates it’s 40th birthday in 2016.

The Clothes Show at The National Exhibition Centre

Resorts World Birmingham

Part of the NEC complex, the Genting Arena was one of the UK’s first purpose-built concert arenas. The 15,700 capacity venue is the Midlands’ biggest entertainment experience, playing host to stars from music and comedy including Queen (who were the first band to play there in 1980), Prince, Beyoncé and Peter Kay.

EVERY YEAR, AROUND FOUR MILLION PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AT THE NEC GROUP’S VENUES TO LEARN, DO BUSINESS AND BE ENTERTAINED. BIRMINGHAM IS A REAL HUB FOR LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY. IF YOU FANCY SOMETHING MORE INTIMATE YOU COULD TRY: TOWN HALL, O2 ACADEMY, THE INSTITUTE, HARE AND HOUNDS, THE JAM HOUSE, ALFIE BIRD’S OR THE GLEE CLUB.

Genting Arena

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The Post House, Solihull

IN THE PAST 2 YEARS, OWNER OCCUPIERS HAVE BECOME MORE PROMINENT AND NICHE DEVELOPMENTS OF 4-20 UNITS HAVE BEEN SPRINGING UP, OFFERING LARGE ‘NEW YORK STYLE LOFT’ LIVING.

Rifle Maker Lofts on Water Street in the Jewellery Quarter

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BIRMINGHAM LIVING

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Pre the 1990s there was little to no city centre living with people commuting to the city for work and living in nearby suburbs. This trend began to change when the first canalside residential development, Symphony Court, was delivered - proving there was a demand for luxury living in the city. From this point, people have poured in. They have been encouraged by a more cosmopolitan café culture with job and wealth creation coming from a diverse and improving Professional Services Sector.

recognised over the past couple of years with Solihull being voted the best place in the UK to live in 2013 (Uswitch.com) and Moseley being named Best Urban Place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times earlier this year.

One of the biggest differences you will notice is just how much more property you will get for your money or ‘Bang for your Buck’.

It is a disparity that is turning the heads of developers and investors alike, as the London market becomes overheated.

Whilst residential development in the city centre has been driven by demand from investors, the suburbs of Birmingham and neighbouring towns such as Solihull and Sutton Coldfield still appeal greatly to the owner occupier with a better educational offering for families. The quality of life that Greater Birmingham has to offer has been

Put bluntly, Birmingham provides a far cheaper alternative to many other big cities, with good quality housing stock in highly desirable locations. The property market has a far slower pace to it, with less competition than you will find elsewhere.

Location

Ave. Detached House Price

Ave. Mid-Market House Price

Ave. Apartment Price

Distance from B1 1TT (Miles)

Ave. Bus Ave. Car Ave. Train Journey Time Journey Time Journey Time (Minutes) (Minutes) (Minutes)

Hagley (DY10)

£351, 158

£141,045

£96,964

15.9

30 (Snow Hill)

34

1hr 30 mins

Sutton Coldfield £552,327 (B75)

£168,745

£120,946

10.6

20 (New St)

50

25

Solihull (B91)

£630,623

£203,725

£198,249

8.3

18 (Snow Hill)

27

1 hour

Kings Heath (B14)

£285,737

£160,408

£101,492

7

N/A

20

40

Moseley (B13)

£530,720

£180,458

£130,814

4.8

N/A

17

35

Harborne

£456,854

£239,962

£162,619

4

N/A

11

19

Edgbaston

£1,112,328

£323,113

£227, 814

2.6

8 (New St)

25

10

All house prices correct at time of printing.

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tace s u E t r a Stu Knight Frank’s Stuart Eustace has over 7 years’ experience of the property industry in and around Birmingham.

ADDRESS TO IMPRESS

RENTAL

THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF PROPERTY IN BIRMINGHAM TO SUIT ALL TASTES; WHETHER YOU ARE SEEKING CITY CENTRE OR LEAFY SUBURBS, HIDDEN GEM OR HIGH RISE, MODERN OR TRADITIONAL, LARGE OR SMALL, IT CAN ALL BE FOUND WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE RIGHT PLACES AND SPEAK TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE. The city centre is refreshingly compact, with the walk from one side to the other taking no more than half an hour, meaning that residents living and working in town can easily choose their preferred neighbourhood without compromising on their commute.

Despite the relatively small square mileage of central Birmingham, it still comprises more than 10,000 residential properties, with another 5,000 due to arrive by 2021.

This gives rise to some excellent choices available to city dwellers; people can choose buildings containing as few as 5 or 6 apartments, for that more exclusive feel, or opt for the comparative anonymity of a building of 400 units.

Many developments come with added benefits including concierge services, a residents’ gym, meeting rooms for hire, secure allocated parking or coffee shops. The majority of properties were built within the last ten to

fifteen years, with most having been developed from new rather than being a conversion of an older, existing building.

The Jewellery Quarter houses most of the converted buildings, so if a bit of character and some quirky features are your thing, this will probably be the place to start your search.

of an open plan kitchen/living room and separate bedroom and bathroom can be found for as little as £650 per month, but could equally cost up to £1000 per month depending on location.

Not all one bedroom apartments will come with parking, but around two thirds should be sure to check.

As a general rule at the time of writing, a studio apartment of circa 300 to 400 sq ft costs between £600 and £800 per calendar month to rent. This includes an open plan living room/ bedroom layout with a fully fitted kitchen and separate bathroom, and most will be let on a fully furnished basis. Studio apartments tend to come with no parking facilities available and are aimed at single people, or as a pied-a-terre for midweek use whilst away from the primary home.

Two bedroom apartments vary the most in style, layout and, therefore, price. Some will devote more space to living areas and may have smaller second bedrooms, whilst others will offer more equal bedrooms and, as such, will suit professionals who are sharing to keep costs down. Two bedroom, furnished apartments start at around £800 per month and rise to around £1500 depending on size and location. Most will have parking, but probably only for one car. If parking for a second car is required then the Jewellery Quarter is a good location as permits for on-street parking can be obtained.

A furnished one bedroom apartment with a more conventional layout consisting 23

If a larger, penthouse-style property is what you are looking for, this is equally achievable with the right budget. Starting from around £1800 per month and rising to more than £3500, two and three bedroom penthouses are available in most of the best buildings and afford residents fantastic views, space and the highest spec finishes.

Of course, all of the above prices depend on the time of year, the specific development and what it offers, and whether the apartment has any outside space, remarkable views or other features.

Looking further afield than the city centre, suburbs such as Harborne, Edgbaston, Moseley and Kings Heath all lie within 7 miles of the city centre and boast a mix of apartments and townhouses, plus terraced, semi- and detached houses,

both modern and traditional.

It is more difficult to pigeonhole pricing in these areas due to the great variety of sizes and standards available, but each area has its own merits and local amenities which help to define it.

For example, Harborne is a prime area for both young professionals and families and has a welldefined central high street with shops and restaurants aplenty, whilst Edgbaston is a more diffuse area with no discernible high street, but boasts some of the most expensive and exclusive properties in the whole city.

Moseley Village has a young and vibrant feel to it, with numerous pubs and restaurants creating an identity all of its own.

Looking even further out you will find Sutton Coldfield and Solihull, to the north and south-east of Birmingham respectively.

Both are well-established

PROPERTY DEMAND

With 12 years’ experience of the Birmingham property market, Ben Evans has been with FleetMilne Property for 10 years.

Birmingham is undeniably a city on the up, and the arrival of the High Speed 2 rail connection to London and beyond will only further enhance its credentials as a superb place to live and work. For anyone seeking to relocate to Birmingham, the best advice is to allow as much time as possible to research preferred locations and requirements, and speak to a local and reputable property specialist about what is available and when. Demand from tenants peaks during the summer months, so allowing plenty of time to find the perfect home gives you the best possible chance of loving Birmingham life as much as those already here, already do.

BIRMINGHAM OVERVIEW

Households Per Year

Population

Units Built Per Year Since 2009

Metropolitan District Population

Pipeline

City Centre Population

Highest Demand

Projected Population Growth 2013 – 2037

+1,000

ns Ben Eva

towns in their own right, with plenty of mid to upper range properties and excellent schools to choose from, whilst still lying in ideal commuter locations for professionals with families.

1,100,000+

+75

+5,000

2,800,000 43,000

JEWELLERY QUARTER

177,000

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU SOON!

RENTAL

RELOCATETOBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK

RELOCATION RELOC IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO RELOCATE TO BIRMINGHAM OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, THEN OUR RELOCATION WEBSITE WILL BE RIGHT UP YOUR STREET. WHERE TO LIVE?

WHERE TO WORK?

WHICH SCHOOL?

Use the area guide on the website to take a closer look at some of the residential areas the region has to offer.

There’s everything from city centre apartments to green belt areas and quirky villages. You can also use the relocation app to pinpoint which area meets all your lifestyle, educational and commuting needs.

Birmingham has a very diverse economy with a whole range of manufacturing and service industries. Along with the financial and professional opportunities available, there is also a growing creative and digital industries sector. To cater for this, a huge range of niche and traditional recruitment agencies have sprung up, servicing every industry in the city and locations outside the centre. Use the relocation website to search for a role as well as key companies and info within your chosen sector.

The city offers pupils and students outstanding schools with great educational facilities and fantastic results all the way from pre-schools to university and higher education. It is one of the best performing cities for secondary schools with more students in the city gaining GCSEs at grades A*- C than any other major regional city. The relocation website gives you information on applications, admissions and open days for all your education needs, enabling you to make the right educational choice for your family.

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ATION RELOCATION THE LIFESTYLE

TRY THE RELOCATION TOOL

Birmingham is a melting pot of different cultures and lifestyles that really give it a unique atmosphere.

From the latest fashion, outstanding dining and the liveliest bands to the most relaxing canal rides and festivals throughout the year. The relocation website allows you to discover all that Birmingham has to offer - from food and shopping to culture and open green spaces.

By using the relocation tool available on our website you will be able to perform a comprehensive search to identify areas and properties that are right for you.

Using a combination of criteria (covering property, lifestyle, commute to work and schooling requirements) the relocation app will map out the best areas to live based on your requirements.

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AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING Birmingham is not just a city going places, it’s a city situated in the right place. At the heart of the country, with fantastic links to every corner of the UK and now, to the rest of Europe and the World.

It is a young, dynamic European city encircled by motorways, an international airport and wonderful train links – including the newly transformed New Street rail station.

Getting to Birmingham

BY AIR Birmingham Airport welcomes more than 50 airlines from more than 100 destinations. It is located close to the M42 motorway and the main line rail network, giving you immediate access to the region. The airport is connected to Birmingham International train station by a free shuttle monorail, from here you can reach the city centre within 15 minutes. Birmingham couldn’t be better connected.

BY TRAIN The city is well served by an excellent railway network. The three main stations, New Street, Moor Street and Birmingham International connect directly with 84 towns and cities across the UK. New Street Station has more direct connections than any other station, and since its rejuvenation and introduction of Grand Central, the appeal to go by train is greater than ever.

BIRMINGHAM

BY CAR At the heart of the country’s motorway network with easy access to the M6, M6 Toll, M5, M42 and M54, Birmingham is a city made for the car. And once you’re here, it couldn’t be easier to get around and visit the region. We are well served by local buses, trams and trains or you could even cycle on one of our dedicated cycle paths.

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BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE Grand investment projects are heralding once-in-a-lifetime changes to Birmingham, showing that this city does not stand still.

From transport to entertainment to city centre landscapes, a number of high profile developments are enhancing the city at a more than impressive pace.

Birmingham is in the middle of a retail revolution with the opening of the premium shopping complex Grand Central – situated above New Street station, it includes one of the largest John Lewis department stores in the country.

The redevelopment of The Mailbox has seen Harvey Nichols more than double in size.

Resorts World, an integrated leisure and entertainment complex, the first of its kind in Europe offers accommodation, shopping, dining and a casino.

The Barclaycard Arena has turned an already popular venue for concerts and sporting events into a world-class entertainment destination right in the heart of the city.

And not forgetting Birmingham New Street Station’s transformation, which has seen the nation’s rail network turn into a spectacular 21st century gateway.

And there is more to come with Curzon Street forming one of the biggest urban regeneration schemes in Britain as part of the High Speed 2 rail project and the Midland Metro extending from its current terminus at Birmingham Snow Hill station into the heart of the city.

Paradise Circus, the most important city centre development outside of London will see the old library demolished providing major improvements to the area.

Arena Central in the heart of the city centre will create a brand new landscaped public realm highly desirable for work, leisure and retail with the design incorporating a wild meadow.

A new vibrant destination is being created around the Birmingham Markets, Smithfield Markets will include museums, cinemas, art galleries and music venues, becoming a hub for cultural events.

Harborne

Finally, Centenary Square will be transformed into an important public space, where people can stop, relax and socialise, as well as coming together to enjoy a diverse range of events.

King’s

s Heath

Sutton Coldfield

Solihull

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