Revitalisation of Birmingham to be stepped up

The revitalisation of Birmingham will come into sharp focus this week as the city plays host to an international summit on regeneration.

Top of the agenda at the Urban Summit, taking place tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, will be a discussion on the progress made since the government released its Urban White Paper in 2000.

Themed sessions at the event will include looking at planning for sustainable housing and transport, building communities and local leadership, and creating liveable towns and cities.

The summit will highlight the massive strides Birmingham has taken in recent years and expects to attract 1,500 delegates from across the world. Speakers include architect Lord Rogers, the mayor of Barcelona and deputy prime minister John Prescott whose brainchild the summit was.