BIRMINGHAM TOGETHER
Simon Delahunty-Forrest
Assistant Director Development Planning & Development Birmingham City Council
The night after the night before and I am still buzzing from the mighty ‘Black Sabbath’ capping off what has been 11 magical days for our great and proud City.
The City of Birmingham is without doubt on the map and it goes without saying we are here to stay.
Last night’s closing ceremony theme of ‘Together’ prompted me to reflect on our achievements over the last four years with great fondness and pride.
And it is with our achievements together that it would be inappropriate of me or anyone else to claim sole responsibility for the delivery of both the regeneration and future legacy of Perry Barr.
The role of honour is vast but it is worth naming but a few from ‘Team BCC’; Ian MacLeod for driving both viability and delivery with CPO support from Becky Farr; Dave Wagg the Alexander Stadium redevelopment (bring on the Olympics), Phil Edwards, Will Martin and Saaied Manzoor the unsung heroes of transportation (let’s take down that flyover); Nick Tringham and Sally Forrest for mapping services; Marlene Slater Project Delivery Manager; Mumtaz Mohammed Programme Manager (our man on the ground); Ashley Innis Major Development Schemes Manager (you will be missed mate); Kevan Spink and Johnny Killock for urban design integrity and vision; Kathryn James and Alison Marke Wilson land acquisition strategy for the games; Julia Martin and Bali Paddock driving the affordable homes agenda as part of our legacy strategy; Lucia Hamid and Karen Townend for dealing with planning relocations for the Village and the Bus Station Planning Application; Alice Jones for supporting the delivery of the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan (WMRTPI 2022 Young Planner of the Year) and last but not least Jo Todd Planning Management Specialist responsible for the successful determination of the Village, Legacy Sites and the majority of CWG related planning applications across the City (A massive shout out to you for your integrity and professionalism – You will be missed).
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And let’s not forget our colleagues in the private sector that shared our vision and ambition to create a legacy for generations to come; Darren Clarke and the Arcadis Team; Dav Bansal and Simon Pearson Glenn Howells Architects; Lyndon Glancy and Lisa Deering Glancy Nichols Architects; Tony Mead Corstorphine & Wright; Bek Seeley, James Amos and the Lendlease Team and finally Abigaile Bromfield and the Arup team – Your collaboration and insight has been nothing short of monumental and inspiring.
Together we have contributed to a successful Commonwealth Games and a Legacy that will be remembered for generations to come that has involved a wide range of skill sets from planning, urban design, architecture, landscaping, transport engineering, highways, project management, programme management, land acquisitions and housing with one united goal to deliver for the citizens of Birmingham.
It’s hard to believe that four years have come and gone but this is just the beginning and as a great and iconic ‘Brummie’ recently said………………
“BIRMINGHAM FOREVER”
Founder / Director of the Birmingham Music Archive, creative and cultural consultant & independent researcher
2 年It wasn't bad was it? ?? Amazing level of collaboration across the public and private sector, across disciplines, including the huge cultural programme that massively enhanced the visitor experience and on a personal level as has been mentioned, the legacy for our music. Ozzy and Tony get the headlines but the diversity of our music and the impact it has had on local, national and international music culture was/is finally in the limelight and everyone from the Leader down new now committing to support and celebrate it as part of our cultural offer (not forgetting On Record, our sonic love letter to Birmingham). Huge respect Simon to you and the team. What a magical 4 years of planning and 6 months of delivery it's been. Birmingham Forever and #itsabrumting indeed!
Director at Jeanette Arregger Architects LLP
2 年Brilliant achievement
Development & Strategic Planning Advisor and Non-Executive Director
2 年Brilliantly said #SimonDelahuntyForrest. Exceptional teamwork across the public and private sectors resulting in the best showcase for #Birmingham ever! So very proud of the city.
Former Principal at Gensler, now retired.
2 年It made me proud to be associated with this great city and to be reminded amongst other things of the ground breaking innovations in music which originated here. Sabbath were pioneers of a music genre which was founded in Brum which goes to show that innovation has always existed (and continues to exist) on so many levels!! Our city was showcased in the best light for the world to see. Who knows, apart from the economic, sporting and innovative legacy, it might have inspired the next Iommi to pick up a guitar.......
Senior Consultant Aurecon
2 年Well said Simon. Enjoyed watching it from Melbourne (especially seeing the backstraight stand which still looks good after 10 years). I hope it goes as well in Victoria! It will be a little different as the location for events will be more regional than in the City.