Finally a check list is provided - a set of considerations to be applied when undertaking any development in the city centre. The urban design strategy underpins the broad objective to make the city attractive, safer and more enjoyable, in order to attract more investment and encourage new businesses, tourism, and cultural activities, to create a stronger, richer regenerated city centre for Birmingham. Although the Urban Design Strategy was produced after the draft Unitary Development Plan was published, nonetheless the key elements were incorporated in the UDP prior to it going through the public inquiry process. The strategy therefore has a statutory basis for its implementation. Shortly before publication of the Urban Design Strategy, the City Council set up a new Department of Planning and Architecture with an urban design division, drawing upon the skills of architects in the planning and urban design process.
Architects work with planners in their development control negotiations.
The planning control process is supported by a design review panel set up to look at proposals and discuss them at an early stage, before schemes are firmed up. A series of internal seminars have been held where those with urban design skills talk about their work with development control and local planning officers to foster a deeper understanding of urban design throughout the department. The Urban Design Strategy is also being implemented by the Council through major projects which have been supported by European Funding. The former subway under the ring road has gone and a new crossing takes pedestrians from the Civic Centre to the Square. Until recently Victoria Square was just a traffic junction.