What do you think of Birmingham?

[kdm]

I am doing some research on public perceptions of British cities and it would be great to get some feedback from people on the following.

What are your perceptions of Birmingham as a city?

What do you first think of, what are its good points, bad points, could do better?

Also what cultural landmarks do you associate with Birmingham?

Thanks for your help

[dotovaposted]

I only know the short distance between the railway station and debenhams staff entrance, and it looked quite busy and polluted

[jackthehat]

Absolutely fantastic outdoor market.................if they ain't got it, you can't possibly need it !

[Lil O'lady]

Love it. FOnd memories of taking our kids to the GAs Hall and museum for lovely exhibitions

[Oneeyedvic]

Just spent a few days there and enjoyed it.

Stayed centrally and there was a great selection of shops (bullring etc).

I felt pretty safe there (stayed Sunday - Wednesday so not sure about weekends).

thought that the Selfridges building was iconic.

There was a lovely remembrance area on Broad Street

Liked the kids artwork that was around some of the construction areas.

Didn't think the shop keepers were particularly friendly - but then I live in a small town where the majority of shop assistants have a good natter.

[tonyav]

good point, villa park
bad point, saint andrews

[Octavius]

Birmingham has had a vast amount of urban regeneration in recent years which has improved the environment considerably. The old bull ring was a hideous carbuncle in comparison to what they have now. Birmingham city centre is a vibrant and thriving centre. New Street station and the Pallisades could do with some improvement, but as a centre I believe it has come on leaps and bounds.

As with any city there are highs and lows, the periphery of Birmingham is pretty much viewed as a no-go-area, akin to a ghetto. There are however plans to expand improvements to the outer area, but anyone who has a view of Birmingham that predates say 2004, should really pay it a visit and be pleasantly surprised.

[saxy_jag]

Birmingham.

We visited the Christmas market three years ago because we couldn't afford Lincoln and Mr Saxy had a couple of complimentary train tickets. We don't go to Lincoln any more. Brum is much nicer.


Reasons:
It's clean.
The people are really nice and friendly.
There's loads of good shops and markets that don't cost the earth.
Good pubs with good beer.

One downer - New Street Station. What a dungeon!!

[hau kola]

New Street does need updating thats for sure.
Its great for shopping and for a good night out.
Also good for concerts etc at the NEC and NIA.
Airport is good being central to many other cities.

Downside is rubbish football teams.

[mightyWBA]

Octavius sums Brumagem up perfectly.
It has improved enormously over the last few years.
Only New Street station and Villa Park need to be flattened
and it would be on a par with Barcelona.
Brummies do have miserable accents,not as nice as our Black Country one but they have the advantage of only being a ten minute journey by train to The Hawthorns.
Home of the famous West Bromwich Albion.
One tip though,leave the car on the outskirts and catch the train in,the ring roads are a nightmare.

[puddicat]

been there years ago, found them a very friendly bunch, but times change, the bull ring was very much needed concept,feel sorry for them and the black country in general, apart from lenny henry and noddy holder, would u remember birmingham??

[terambulan]

Went to the NEC once and was held up for 4hrs on motorway, (no toilets etc)......never again!

Our annual exhibition is in July but I wont chance it again. Best to stay on the Ring-road and avoid the place.

[mightyWBA]

West Bromwich is not in Birmingham.
Thought I'd point that out in light of the comment above my comment.
:-)

[Ice.Maiden]

I used to love going to Birmigham to see my friends, but despite places being modernised and the shopping being reasonable, it now makes me cringe.
The last time I went there, two of us went on the train. I was propositioned twice, before we even got out of New Street station - and again in the "Rag" market! Just walking from our hotel back to the station (5 minutes away) was a nightmare, as we were followed by a gang of teenagers who kept asking for cigarettes. I now only go down there if I'm going to the NEC or NIA, and always take the car.

[puddicat]

sorry wba found it hard to stand the monotone brummies, but it only got worse when a full on black country spoke, u are the worse monotone accent i have ever heard, i just imagine you going to bed for sex saying "u up for it"arrrrrrrrgh, sorry!!!

[mightyWBA]

I can't stop you hating the way I speak puddi,but I have never said " u up for it" when suggesting a bit of slap and tickle!

[tell-me-more]

Perceptions:

It feels like a major city. A place on the national and international map. A big "centre".

First thoughts:

I wish the block of flats from Aston University where I secretly used to meet my first love didn't have to overlook the approach to New Street and remind me of her every time I go to Birmingham. Sorry, but that's what comes to mind. My visits are always tinged with sadness because of it.

Good

Great access without a car. Massive plus for me. Easy to get to by train, easy to get around on foot.

Bad

I'm not a fan of the local accent.

I don't know what's so bad about New Street...

[puddicat]

sorry wba i didnt mean to sound bad to brum,but cant grasp the brummie accent you must admit it it doesnt waver!!!