New Mayoral Corp. Boosts East Birmingham's Economy

0:00On March 18th, a new mayoral development corporation for East Birmingham has gained strong backing from regional leaders. The Birmingham East version aims to pull in billions of pounds in investment and generate tens of thousands of jobs by streamlining big projects. Members of the West Midlands combined authority board called it a major milestone. Sets a launch fully by May, the corporation combines planning powers, land, funding and delivery under one roof. West Midlands mayor Richard Parker and Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton are driving it forward to offer investors speed, scale and certainty while slashing bureaucracy. Local officials are buzzing with support. The mayor noted its fired up businesses and government alike, while council members see it as a game changer for the areas deep-rooted issues. East Birmingham, home to 375,000 people, struggles with nearly 30% of adults lacking qualifications over. 27% who have never worked, doubled the national average and child poverty close to 50%.

1:05Key projects in the zone include the 3 billion pound Birmingham sports quarter, the 4 billion pound knowledge quarter, the high speed two, station at Curzon Street, the 2 billion pound Smithfield site and a creative industries hub in Digbeth. This push marks a bold step to revive a deprived corner of the city, with leaders united on delivering lasting economic lift as the corporation takes shape.