As the year draws to a close, it's the time to reflect on the past 12 months, setting resolutions and goals for those to come.
This year has been one of growth, ambition and success for Birmingham, building the foundations for the city's future and capturing global interest in its regeneration and entrepreneurial drive.
We have capitalised on this at in Digbeth, investing in our own immediate environment and setting the agenda for the new year.
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As part of this, we've undertaken physical works to improve the infrastructure of the area and launched our own regeneration and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Earlier this winter,
We took a beautiful but run-down historic building and transformed it into 12 studios which are set to become the artistic hub of Digbeth (and are now available to rent).
Inspiration came from Bauhaus, a German art school for craft and fine arts from the early 20th century, which was famous for pushing the boundaries of art and its innovative approach to design.
Its founding principles chimed with our aspirations - not only is the building itself restored to its former glory, adding to the dynamic and creative mix of the area, but it will be a great space for artists, giving inspiration through the physical environment.
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The refurbishment means more than the launch of another new building though and is testament to the ingrained identity of Digbeth and the local commitment to being different and thinking differently, doing more and, most importantly, to creativity.
We believe this is what makes Birmingham different from other cities in the 海角视频 and that it needs to be nurtured and harnessed to continue to help our city stand out from the crowd.
This, alongside the dynamism of entrepreneurialism, is alive and well in Digbeth, contributing to the unique personality of the city.
So here's to Birmingham's creative and entrepreneurial spirit, and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.
Piers Read is managing director of Custard Factory and Fazeley Studios