History of Birmingham
Birmingham’s history can be traced back to the 7th century, as a small Anglo-Saxon hamlet on the edge of the Forest of Arden which has since been transformed into the city, we know today over the past 1,400 years. A mixture of immigration, innovation and civic pride, helped to bring about major social and economic reforms, as well as the kick-started the Industrial Revolution in the city – which then subsequently inspiring the growth of similar cities across the world.
By the 20th century, the city had become the metropolitan hub of the UK’s manufacturing and automotive industries, after earning itself the reputation as a city of canals, and then of cars. Since the start the of 21st century, Birmingham lays at the heart of a major post-industrial metropolis surrounded by significant educational, manufacturing, shopping, sporting and conferencing facilities.
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city of 1.1 million people – and is expected to increase by a further 171,000 by 2039. The sheer range of employment opportunities on offer clearly provides a major pull fact; with many leading national and international businesses including HSBC, Deutsche Bank and HM Revenue and Customs, looking to relocate or increase staff numbers in the city.
Birmingham is also at the forefront of Europe’s largest infrastructure project, HS2 – which is scheduled to arrive in the city by 2033. Once complete HS2 will form a new backbone of the UK’s rail network, connecting eight out of ten of the largest cities in the UK, whilst simultaneously reducing journey times across the network. Journey times between Birmingham and London will be reduced to mere 49 minute once complete, unleashing the city’s potential further and creating a more accessible rental market for many professionals
Being the second city in the UK, Birmingham has so much to offer its residents, from world-class educational facilities to a thriving shopping sector to an extensive array of theatres, museums and galleries and booming cultural scene. And for those sporting fans, Birmingham is home to two professional football teams, Birmingham City and Aston Villa and for those avid cricket fans Edgbaston is located with the city and hosts matches at both test and county level.
Partly, due its central location Birmingham is a major transport hub on the motorway, rail, and canal network. The city is also home to the West Midlands Metro – light-rail tram system.
The city’s rail network connects the city with many of UK’s major cities including: London (Euston and Marylebone stations), Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Leicester and Newcastle. The city also benefits from a local rail service, which serves towns within the West Midlands region such as Bromsgrove, Redditch, Lichfield, Wolverhampton, and Walsall. Like other cities in the north of England such as Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham – Birmingham boasts a light-rail tram network called the West Midlands Metro connecting the city to Wolverhampton.
Birmingham Airport is located just over 8 miles from the city centre, with regular international flights to some of Europe’s most popular destinations and further afield destinations including Dubai, and Doha.
Like many cities, Birmingham has truly embraced modern and cosmopolitan living in a big way, with plenty of housing options available. It’s very clear to see why people are moving to the city and calling it home. At Complete, we have a selection of developments located in Birmingham with a selection of apartments available to rent. Find out more about these development by registering your details with us today.
