Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mike Nangle, Michelle Aucott (Irish Forum) and Chairman of The Irish Forum, Pat O’Neill

You’d think when an interview with the Deputy Lord Mayor, Mike Nangle, and the Chair of the Irish Forum, Pat O’Neill, has been arranged, it would occur in a rather plush and comfortable council house office. In fairness, the interview did indeed commence in the above said environment but when a fierce thunderstorm played havoc with the fire alarms, sending all and sundry scattering to safer havens, the only course of action was to continue the interview alongside the council bins, followed by a drive around the council house in Mike Nangle’s car, until the coast was clear.
Eventful to say the least, but no matter where this interview took place, the message would have been the same. The development of the Irish Quarter is well under way and these two gentlemen are brimming with enthusiasm about this particular fact.
Pat says: “Myself, Mike and the other Irish Forum members, along with the council planners, developers and architects, in fact, the whole community, are thrilled that the first phase of the development is being carried out. This first phase is called Aisling Heights which means beautiful dream.”
It certainly is a beautiful dream for the citizens of Birmingham as well as a positive progression for this multi-cultural city. It’s set to create hundreds of new jobs with the formation of cafes, restaurants, hotels and pubs with the added bonus of a new Irish Club thrown in. It’s also set to be home to young and old alike with Shared Ownership housing schemes attracting people who want to live in a decent area at affordable prices.
With Digbeth being the birthplace of Birmingham, it seems right and fitting that the area will once again flourish with locals and tourists alike travelling to sample what’s on offer.
Pat said: “Everyone’s very proud to be involved with this unique project. It’s been a success because we’ve kept the whole community involved and informed about the development schedule. It’s an honour to be part of a team who are in the midst of creating the country’s only designated Irish Quarter.”
When I first heard about this huge venture, which is costing private investors around £400 million, I pictured another Broad Street. Not so, I’ve been told. The River Rea will become a feature with listed buildings adding to the area’s stylish yet relaxed, comfortable, family-feel, that will appeal to people of all ages and perhaps fondly become known as the gateway to the city from the airport.
Pat says: “People have cast doubts as to whether the current pubs in Digbeth will be affected, swapping authenticity for modern and noisy Irish themed pubs. These pubs will be very much part of the development and will set a precedent and set standards for any new developments.”
One feature that will no doubt create interest amongst Brummies and Irish alike, is the reinstatement of the JKF Memorial.
Pat says: “I think it’s common knowledge that the original mosaic will be one of the main features displayed in the area, preferably near the new Irish Club. The mosaic will be united with modern work of today that is a representation of what the Irish Quarter is striving for and that is the successful amalgamation of the past and present.
“Another crowd puller and vital addition to the Irish Quarter will be the new improved Irish World Heritage Centre. The items on display presently are fascinating but the new centre will boast a wider collection of items of interest to the many visitors that will pass through its doors.”
It’s obvious that such a huge, exceptional, venture will be a time consuming project. We’ll not be seeing any colossal changes I’d say for the next three to four years. But the fact that people want change, have the backing of the council and the community, is a sign that the time is right and setting Birmingham on course to compete as Europe’s number one city is music to Pat and Mike’s ears.
Pat says: “Being Europe’s number one city is an ideal concept. But, to be honest, we’re just content that the work is underway. In fact Mike said he wouldn’t be happy or believe the redevelopment was underway until he saw tower cranes soaring above Birmingham. Well, he doesn’t have to look far these days for those tower cranes as they’re everywhere. Needless to say, he’s now a very happy man!”