Disqus - Latest Comments for nick_carson

Re: Option S6

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:42:57 -0000

This seems compatible with option S3, and I think a combination should be explored that links the two, encouraging more independent cafes, bars and restaurants to set up around the fringes of the public squares to complement the theatre and entertainment venues and make the whole area feel more vibrant and unified.

Re: Option S3

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:42:07 -0000

This sounds like a great way to unify the existing facilities as a recognisable area to spend a complete cultural evening out for those not keen to dabble in Broad Street.

Re: Option C2

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:40:33 -0000

I think this option needs to be combined with C5, raising the question of what would make Birmingham genuinely renowned as a retail centre outside of the region. It should be known for more than just super-sized high-street shopping. A key part of the global appeal should be in the diversity and the specialism of the outlets that can be found within walking distance of main transport hubs like New Street, so visitors seek out particular shops or clusters of shops that they couldn't find anywhere else.

But it's also crucial to make the City Centre - particularly areas that are immediately visible when you first arrive as an outsider - visibly about more than just shopping. Bull Ring is great, but there's a risk of people thinking that Birmingham is just a series of giant shopping centres (and I've heard that opinion.)

Re: Option C5

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:38:51 -0000

Love the idea of arterial routes being more pedestrian-friendly as well as the central public squares. Jewellery Quarter and particularly Digbeth are currently separated by busy roads and unattractive walking routes, great to make the whole centre feel like a relaxing place to spend an afternoon, with landmark cultural buildings rather than just rows of shops. The key being CULTURAL buildings, so that our sole iconic landmark doesn't have to be a department store.

Re: Question ENV10

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:36:33 -0000

By all means encourage genuinely iconic, skyline-defining buildings that have genuine purposes and sit well with their surroundings - they can do a lot to make a city more recognisable. But don't build high-rise purely for the sake of it

Re: Question ENV2

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:34:03 -0000

More conversions in interesting, creative ways - not just splitting them into yet more identi-kit apartment blocks! Shared office working spaces, galleries, performance venues... and juxtaposing old with new in the mould of Eastside and the Jewellery Quarter

Re: Question ENV9

nick-carson — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:28:37 -0000

I'd like to see more green public areas, not just paved - places where you can sit and have lunch in the middle of town away from the pedestrian bustle. But there's also scope for roof gardens in new developments, particularly cultural and public buildings.

Birmingham's already green - push it further!