Aspiring changemakers from Arup’s Birmingham office have published their ideas for supporting growth and transformation across the West Midlands region. Graduates, apprentices, and consultants led this exploration, seeking expert insights from colleagues around their chosen areas of interest.

“Twelve ideas for the West Midlands” distils ideas into six themes which underpin Arup’s broad expertise, local knowledge, and aspiration to shape places which address the diverse needs of the region.

The six areas covered in this publication are:

• a climate resilient region;

• a skilled and prosperous workforce;

• affordable and sustainable homes;

• inclusive and safe communities;

• driving connectivity and a modal shift; and

• a hub of culture and innovation.

Vicky Evans, Midlands leader for Cities, Planning and Design and Advisory services at Arup comments: “It’s an exciting time for the West Midlands. Our future is bright, but there is a need to build on the momentum we have seen over the past decade in terms of investment in our towns and cities, the drive to net-zero and showcasing the region on the world stage.”

James Watts, Birmingham Office Leader at Arup comments: “We wanted our early careers team to have a voice as future changemakers for the region; and to combine their areas of expertise with their lived experience as residents to provide a fresh perspective on some of the region’s most prevalent topics.”

These ideas are intended to be bold, thought provoking, and inspire debate, change and collaboration amongst local changemakers.

You can download the free publication by visiting the Arup website.

For further discussion on any of the topics included in the publication please contact: IdeasfortheWestMidlands@arup.com