Business News
Business bouncing back
BID brings optimism back to Southside
By Claudia Congrave
that is home to the Chinese Quarter, the Gay Village, Theatreland and a plethora of businesses. Working behind the scenes to
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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 re-
opening 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 long- term focus for Southside.” In a bid to rejuvenate the arts
and culture sector and draw people back to the venues, Southside are
8 CHAMBERLINKMay 2021
nown as the cultural heart of Birmingham, Southside is a vibrant and diverse scene
Venues need our support: Lawrence Barton
driving investments in Hippodrome Square and have plans to build on the area’s existing infrastructure.
‘We are working collaboratively with our venues and arts organisations on a new festivals strategy for the district’
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 Ellis- Bextor, 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.”
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