Workplace, mixed-use and transport - our Birmingham event this April

Above: Join Future Cities Forum at MEPC's offices in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, for our April discussion event.

Future Cities Forum is delighted to be hosted by developer MEPC for its Birmingham forum in April, where discussions will be held on investment, economy, transport and net zero.

Regional Development Director at MEPC, Rob Groves, will be contributing and guests will be invited to their offices in Chamberlain Square, Paradise. MEPC is part of Federated Hermes International - the firm which has been investing alongside Birmingham City Council, in the Paradise development since it began in 2013.

MEPC describes Paradise as 'the most important development Birmingham has seen in a generation. In the past it was a place where arts, learning and commerce flourished side by side, and its latest transformation sees it inspiring a new generation of visitors, residents, thinkers and doers.' MEPC is bringing this new urban neighbourhood to life in the heart of Birmingham, by creating a thriving hub of events, spaces, squares, restaurants and cafes.

New workspace is central to the development, and can be found in Two Chamberlain Square - an eight storey, 183,000 square feet building, currently occupied by international professional services firms and surrounded by the city’s most prestigious listed civic and cultural buildings at the heart of Paradise.

Leading global business law firm DLA Piper has taken space and been joined by legal and professional services business Knights, international accounting and advisory firm Mazars, professional services and project management company Atkins, design and engineering consultancy Arup and Cazenove Capital, one of the UK’s leading wealth management businesses and part of the Schroders Group. Co-working and flexible office provider, Cubo is also home to a new mix of occupiers enjoying the Two Chamberlain Square experience.

Meanwhile Birmingham is facing similar pressures as other towns and cities in the UK with the rise in cost of living. This week the city council’s budget proposals for the forthcoming 2023/24 financial year will be put forward.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“The financial position we face as a result of issues that have developed beyond our control at a national and international level is a very serious emergency which we are treating with the utmost importance. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting families, neighbourhoods and businesses, but our budget outlines how the council is collaborating with partners to support people in every neighbourhood and every community across Birmingham.

“Despite the challenging context, which is not unique to Birmingham, we will build on our Commonwealth Games success to deliver life-changing and truly inclusive growth for people in every neighbourhood and community. Birmingham is a bold, growing city with a young, diverse, and creative population. The financial plan outlines how the council will support people through challenging times, while also playing a leading role in our city's future prosperity. The Games have given new confidence to Birmingham, and we will use that confidence to continue to Be Bold Be Birmingham - and this budget shows that Birmingham City Council is on the side of the people of our city, and that our challenge is to now deliver the projects that we know will make our communities cleaner, safer and better for everyone.”

Contact Future Cities Forum to find out how you can join this exciting event, where leaders will be discussing the future for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, how HS2 will continue to attract investment and approaches that must be taken to tackle the city's net zero challenges.

Above: view towards the Chamberlain Memorial and Birmingham Town Hall with 2 Chamberlain Square on right