A Tale of Two High Streets: West Midlands’ Contrasting Communities Saturday, April 11, 2026 westmidlands highstreet alumrock knowle independentbusiness community inequality urbanspace localeconomy businessdevelopment This week, I explored two high streets in the West Midlands that, though geographically close, couldn’t feel more different. The striking contrast between Alum Rock and Knowle left a lasting impression. Alum Rock, often … Read More
Last Man Standing in Birmingham's 'Zombie Quarter' Raises Questions About Its Future Sunday, March 29, 2026 birmingham lagalleria masonichall zombiequarter independentbusiness newstreet restaurant urbandecay planningpermission citycentre Tucked away on the corner of New Street and Ethel Street in Birmingham’s city centre stands the grand, yet largely empty, old Masonic Hall. Its once bustling shops like Eat4Less and Fat Burgers now bear bailiff notices, their … Read More