Looking forward: The Black Country in 2033 Introduction This report, Looking Forward: The Black Country in 2033 presents the main findings from a series of workshops attended by over 150 civic and business leaders, community representatives, educationalists and young people. In these workshops we identified several alternative futures for the Black Country and a preferred vision.

Through this process we tried to define our aspirations for the Black Country over the next 30 years.

This Vision is the starting point for the Our starting point for our Vision is to understand comprehensive Plan for the renaissance of the the Black Country as it is today. Therefore in Black Country. We are preparing this development section 1 we outline some of the key strategy during 2005/06. It will show how we will characteristics and key challenges facing the realise our Vision and our key investment priorities Black Country today. In section 2 we set out with a step change in urban renaissance delivery. where we want the Black Country to be in 2033. The need for this Plan is also identified in the Finally in section 3 we outline the final steps that Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands. we are making towards realising our vision for the Black Country. Over 1m people now live in the Black Country - and will do so in 2033 - in the heart of one of Europe's major conurbations. Today we face many social, economic and environmental problems. Yet, in defining our Vision we attempted to look beyond our immediate horizons because we believe that we must set the long term direction for a Black Country future as one we aspire to, within which we will address our current challenges. Britain's Venice City of Communities European Capital of Culture A Learning City Technology Driven Entrepreneurial Economy Desirable Housing for All Transport Revolution Safe, Secure, King's Award for Sustainable Environment Healthy and Addicted to Sport Youth Culture Rules OK From Youth Parliament to Black Country Assembly

Section 1 - The Black Country Today The Black Country comprises the four SKILLS AND EDUCATION PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Positions requiring higher level ENVIRONMENT the City of Wolverhampton. Around qualifications and skills are harder to fill in An extensive industrial heritage is evident 1,080,000 people live in the Black the Black Country than those for plant and across the Black Country. In parts this has a Country; 15% of which are ethnic minorities machine operatives. 41% of the working negative impact with 20% of all derelict - twice the proportion in the UK as a whole. age population in the Black Country has land in the West Midlands Region in the no, or modest, qualifications Black Country, however it offers much that ECONOMY compared to the national average of 30%. is positive in terms of town scape and Considerably more Black Country tourism potential especially the canals. The businesses (17%) are manufacturing Our educational attainment at Key Black Country has an intensive canal companies by comparison with the UK Stages 3 and 4 is low. In England in network extending to some 100 kilometres, as a whole (8%). Similarly, 27% of the 2000, the percentage of pupils with and includes 63 locks and 3 tunnels. A workforce is employed in manufacturing 5 GCSE passes A to C was 49% - but series of areas and centres operates across compared with 15% in the UK as a whole. in the Black Country this figure is 39%. the Black Country with a complex web of Conversely, a lower proportion of our However there are wide differences within inter-connections both physical and cultural. companies and our workforce, are in the the Black Country; attainment by students Readily available land comprises a smaller service sector than in the rest of the UK. in schools in some communities regularly share of the total supply (27%) compared to Fewer people work in skilled, knowledge exceeds the national average. the rest of the West Midlands (40%). based and professional occupations with consequential lower average wages. TRANSPORT HOUSING The Black Country is at the heart of According to a recent study, almost two Business start-up rates in the Black Country Britain's motorway network and is served thirds of the Black Country's local authority are in line with the national average but by two inter-city rail stations with housing stock (some 77,000 homes) is business survival rates are lower. Even frequent services to London and other 'non-decent'. In some communities, the though employment levels increased major UK cities. Yet, the M5 and M6 cost of improving a home to modern over the past few years, unemployment motorways that run through the Black standards exceeds the value on completion. in the Black Country (at 4.9% in early Country and the M5-M6 junction are some In many communities, the range of choice 2003) is significantly higher than the of the most utilised and congested roads in of middle and higher priced housing for sale UK rate (at 3.3%). Europe. Improvements to the motorway is limited. As a result, many residents move network are under construction and out of our communities to 'move up the extensions to the Metro are planned. housing ladder' outside the Black Country. Britain's Venice City of Communities European Capital of Culture A Learning City Technology Driven Entrepreneurial Economy Desirable Housing for All Transport Revolution Safe, Secure, King's Award for Sustainable Environment Healthy and Addicted to Sport Youth Culture Rules OK From Youth Parliament to Black Country Assembly

Section 2 - Our Vision In 2033 the Black Country is a confident, Midlands; the Black Country Park featuring networks to provide a seamless transport 'we can do it' place. We are proud of our the first holographic entertainment centre; and service for all. Most people now make their skills, our proficiency and our work ethic - the 'Dudley Centre for endangered species'. journey to work and to learn by public these are key to our prosperity. transport. As a result, average car usage in EUROPE'S FIRST TRUE CITY OF the Black Country has steadily declined. The Black Country is now a truly COMMUNITIES Polycentric City - made up of four thriving The Black Country is an inclusive, integrated, The BCX serves all the town centres, all major and distinct retail and commercial 'City' and multicultural city. Our differences in employment sites and residential areas. Local centres - each one playing a unique role. ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, feeder bus services take 85% of residents to West Bromwich is home to the C-PLEX, gender and sexuality are cause for within seven minutes walk of their homes. It Walsall is known for its culture and celebration, not tension. is possible to access Birmingham Wolverhampton for its Universities and R International Airport and the five intercity & D base and Brierley Hill for its Our 'Inspiration Day Carnival' on Nelson railway stations within twenty minutes of any shopping. In addition the traditional Mandela's birthday brings together Black community in the Black Country. centre of Dudley will have been Country people in Walsall to share our transformed into a national icon for urban different beliefs, dancing, rituals, arts and In parallel with other transport investments, living with its strong family focus and its sports. All major religions and cultural there has been a steady investment in recreational and leisure facilities. festivals are included in the school curriculum improving the Black Country's road network. and are celebrated as regional holidays. The BRITAIN'S VENICE Black Country was Europe's Capital of A TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN The newly rejuvenated Black Country Canal Culture in 2024 - official acknowledgement ENTREPRENEURIAL ECONOMY Network is now a UN World Heritage Site. of our unique multicultural strengths. The Black Country is now highly attractive to Attractive housing, pubs, cafes, and studio companies serving UK and European offices front the canals, and water taxis link The Black Country attracts people from all markets. At the heart of the UK motorway the main tourist attractions together. Our backgrounds. Our 'one world sphere', on top and rail freight networks, companies find canal network defines the image of the Black of the Rowley Hills, symbolises the rich they can serve more customers faster from Country and attracts visitors from all over the variety of galleries, music festivals, clubs, the Black Country than from any other UK world. Fishing has now become a leading performing arts centres and 'cultural location. Within the Black Country, the road local sport and Kuoni's Black Country canal quarters' we have in the Black Country. network provides ready access to key 'boat weeks' are in high demand. motorway junctions, rail freight depots, and TRANSPORT REVOLUTION the new inter-modal logistics hub, all of Tourism is a primary sector of the Black Key to the Black Country's prosperity was the which flow freely. Country economy in 2033 - boasting a creation of a new public transport system - variety of key attractions: Brierley Hill, BCX, the Black Country Express. BCX knits Companies in the Black Country are known for now the best retail destination in the West together metro, heavy rail and electric bus their willingness to develop and adopt new technology. The Black Country now rivals our young people, by enabling them to motivated, skilled and ambitious. Those Silicon Valley as a location for companies pursue traditional maths or English as well with vocational qualifications are as well developing new technical applications in a as subjects such as archery, "Bollywood" respected and as well paid as those with wide range of industries. Leading companies dance, or Chinese. academic qualifications. like Microsoft and Sony are opening new design facilities here to pursue joint projects By 2033, we have two strong universities in DESIRABLE HOUSING FOR ALL with Black Country companies. There is a the Black Country. In 2015, the University of Economic prosperity, the high quality vibrant R & D community. Whilst some Wolverhampton became the Black Country education system and the renovation or manufacturing still takes place in the Black University (BCU) clear recognition of the replacement of unfit dwellings, has created Country, most products designed here are value of the 'Black Country brand'. In 2020, strong housing markets in the Black manufactured in the Far East. Peking University joined with Georgia State Country. Sufficient affordable housing for to establish the PUGS Black Country rent and for sale is now available for all age The Black Country is now popular with Campus to meet the needs of their students. and price ranges and to suit all needs. entrepreneurs seeking a good place to start Successful 'engineering innovation faculties' their business. New business formation and exist both at BCU and PUGS and they both This is the result of the UK's most ambitious survival rates are above UK rates. In 2033, have strong links with companies housing redevelopment programme, with there is full employment in the Black throughout Europe. 7,000 new homes built each year between Country and wage rates are amongst the 2005 and 2025. highest in the UK. By 2033, we have created a true culture of life long learning. Every adult is engaged in The Black Country now offers a wide A LEARNING CITY learning in their workplace, at college or choice of re-built living environments By 2033, attainment in all primary and university, or at home. Most people retrain for all incomes and lifestyles, including secondary schools and colleges in the for a new occupation two or three times town centre living for young and old, Black Country is consistently in the top during their working lives; all learning leads canal heritage apartments and houses, 15% of all schools in the UK. Our schools to a qualification. hill side towns with panoramic views, are widely respected as 'centres of lifestyle complexes and retirement villages. educational excellence'. By 2010, all employers in the Black Country sign an employer-education compact, THE KING'S AWARD FOR A Schools in some Black Country communities ensuring every young person undertakes SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT are supporting home tutoring schemes four weeks work experience with a local In 2005 the largest urban park network in alongside traditional school based learning. company. By 2015, all employers are Europe was built in the Black Country - now These individually designed learning accredited Investors in People. we can 'get away from it all' on our programmes are partly responsible for our doorsteps. We have succeeded in making the educational success. We have been able to By 2020 the Black Country workforce is most of our hidden treasures - our hills, nurture talent and build confidence amongst known throughout the world as highly valleys, rivers and urban heritage for urban Britain's Venice City of Communities European Capital of Culture A Learning City Technology Driven Entrepreneurial Economy Desirable Housing for All Transport Revolution Safe, Secure, King's Award for Sustainable Environment Healthy and Addicted to Sport Youth Culture Rules OK From Youth Parliament to Black Country Assembly

living and leisure. To celebrate our success, the This addiction to sport means that residents multicultural recipe sharing events, and circus promoters of the Chelsea Flower Show moved of the Black Country are amongst the fairs with local young artistes sharing the big to the Black Country between 2020 and 2025. healthiest in Europe. We suffer from fewer top with performers from around the world. illnesses and we live longer. Of course, our All youngsters can join the Black Country In 2025 the Black Country won the Kings improved primary health care system, with a Adventure. This includes both the Residential Award for Sustainable Landscapes; this strong commitment to prevention and early Centres in Walsall and West Bromwich where represents true international recognition of diagnosis through our on-line G.P. services they can develop team building skills, self- the Black Country's commitment to investing and personal health care advisors, our esteem, confidence, and independent living in a sustainable future. Our park network emphasis on healthy eating at school - with skills, and expeditions to South East Asia, symbolises how we brought our derelict land organic food cooking classes, and the ban on Africa and the West Indies. back into beneficial use, our improvements in smoking in public places, have also helped. air quality, our commitment to waste This coupled with general improvements in Of course, the C-PLEX - based in West recycling and our progress towards low services means the Black Country is one of Bromwich is our lead cultural venue; it's a energy costs. The Black Country now hosts the healthiest regions in Europe. true celebration of youth culture in the the permanent secretariat of the Earth Black Country. Summit Conference. YOUTH CULTURE RULES OK We have a strong sense of community in the FROM YOUTH PARLIAMENT TO A BLACK SAFE, SECURE HEALTHY - AND Black Country. This is most obvious in how we COUNTRY ASSEMBLY ADDICTED TO SPORT value our young people. It is impossible to The most remarkable aspect of the Black By 2033, our communities are the safest overemphasise how the energy and spirit of our Country over the past thirty years has been in the UK. Drug abuse, racial and ethnic young people has brought a new vitality and the role of our young people in setting out conflict, and anti-social behaviour have dynamic to communities throughout the Black our vision for the future. Young people from virtually disappeared. We believe our Country. It started back in 2004 when we throughout our communities set up the first addiction to sport is the key to our success. started the annual 'Youth Expo' - our showcase Black Country Youth Parliament in 2004. In for young people aged 9 to 19 to demonstrate itself, this has become an important political Sports facilities throughout the Black how their culture, drive and commitment is at institution. Country are the best in Europe; we have the heart of our communities. high levels of participation in all sports. Many 'graduates' from the Youth Parliament Our sports academies are seen as 'centres Now our young people - working with many move into local government. As a result, the of excellence' and bursaries bring the best retired people - run a network of youth clubs four local authorities in the Black Country sportsmen and women to the Black Country throughout the Black Country. The clubs decided to establish the Black Country to play, train and coach. The Black Country is work together to organise regular festivals, Assembly to take the lead in realising our bidding to host the Commonwealth Games. such as 'Bhangra' dance workshops, Vision for the Black Country. Section 3 - Realising our Vision Much progress has been made to start to deliver this vision, paving the way for new opportunities for investment, education, tourism and business in the future. There are four key building blocks: • A Strategic Plan for the Black Country (Black Country Study) • Black Country Education and Learning Strategy • World Heritage Status Bid for the Black Country Canal Network and Environs • Youth Inclusion Strategy The importance of decisions made today on Country’s canal system, nationally and can be achieved by working together and the future lives of Black Country young internationally, we will inspire opportunities to taking a Black Country-wide perspective. people is fully embraced as an integral part improve our urban environment in a way that of our future action plans – but we need to everyone living and working here can enjoy. The Black Country Learning & Skills Council’s do more. Our aspirations are to celebrate role is to lead the transformation of post-16 more vocally and collectively their Another opportunity for the sub-region is the learning opportunities and standards in the entrepreneurial spirit, their creativity and Black Country Study. This initiative will put Black Country. Our goal is to make the Black achievements through strengthening the the Black Country in the driving seat and will Country a place where people know that they profile of young people in our renaissance enable us to develop and deliver our own will receive the best in learning, and where agenda. Our Knowledge Society policies in order to make the changes we employers know they can find the skills they programme is fundamental to our future need. The Study is due to publish its first need to develop their businesses. prosperity and competitiveness and reflects findings shortly, presenting a range of the benefits of collaborative working, where options designed to enhance our sub-region new resources and approaches have been economically, environmentally and socially. secured on a level that befits a sub-region A final report containing policies to be with a population in excess of 1 million. carried out will be produced by the end of Spring 2006. One of the most significant actions has been to begin a bid for World Heritage status for One of the first outputs of the Black Country the sub-region’s canal network. These Study is the Urban Park Study Report, waterways provide an important insight into which sets out a coherent vision for the For a further information visit the area’s rich industrial heritage, attracting transformation of the sub-region’s unique www:blackcountryconsortium.co.uk visitors and providing a focal point for inward urban environment. This report provides a Feb 05 investment. By raising the profile of the Black dynamic and highly visual example of what Black Country Consortium Ltd Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG

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