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Birmingham Sliced Like Big Apple - December 11, 2006
"Birmingham's ongoing reinvention continues, now the city's quarters have the ingredients of New York's districts" says Kate Townend of city centre property agents, Maguire Jackson. "There are four clearly emerging city centre residential quarters: the Convention, Jewellery, Chinese and Retail Quarters each with a distinct 'personality'," she added.
She believes that the quarters are already attracting communities that embody their specific cultural values. "The Convention Quarter is, I think, developing into New York's Upper East Side and is home to many of Birmingham's business people attracting wealthy professionals who can easily commute into work. Additionally, the area has a concentrated cultural centre, which incorporates The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the CBSO, Ikon Gallery and various galleries.
"By contrast, the Jewellery Quarter is more akin to New York's Greenwich Village, with a large creative community, providing a 'mecca' for the bohemian sector. This Quarter is scattered with live/work units, suitable for small businesses and is ideal for young professionals on a budget.
"The Chinatown equivalent is in the heart of Birmingham's Chinese eating and entertainment district, although this region is still in the early days, it largely attracts those who are interested in diverse cultures. "Birmingham's final quarter, the Retail Quarter, has elements of New York's best shopping districts, with its large selection of designer and fashionable shops and department stores on the doorstep. This Quarter appeals to the cutting edge fashionistas who want to be 'seen' about town.
"Interestingly, a certain snobbishness has accompanied the blossoming of these four quarters. Residents in each quarter increasingly believe their own neighbourhood to be the best - to have the most fun and the best living, eating, drinking, shopping and socialising.
"The future for the city centre is rosy, as I envisage stronger identities within each quarter, with the continuing strengthening of localised economies."
Maguire Jackson, Leading Letting & Estate Agents in Birmingham City Centre: flats & apartments to rent Birmingham, property to rent Birmingham. Property, flats, apartments, for sale in Birmingham. Commercial property, offices to rent and for sale, Birmingham.
