Birmingham should look to Barcelona as a blueprint for how a 'second city' can command national and international respect, according to the man tasked with steering the local authority through its financial crisis.
A Call for Birmingham to 'Punch Its Weight'
In his first interview since being appointed, Birmingham City Council's lead commissioner, Tony McArdle, contrasted the global stature of Spain's second city with the perceived underachievement of England's own. Mr McArdle, who leads a team of seven government commissioners overseeing the council, admitted he had little prior knowledge of Birmingham before his role began this year.
"I've always known it as England's 'second city' in name, but it's just never seemed that, looking in externally," he stated. He observed that Birmingham has "never quite managed to punch the weight" expected of it, failing to attract the automatic recognition a second city deserves.
Stark Contrasts and Surprising Parallels
While the sun-drenched Mediterranean metropolis and the West Midlands powerhouse seem worlds apart, a comparison reveals both differences and similarities. Barcelona, with 1.7 million people, is larger than Birmingham's 1.15 million, and its population density is among Europe's highest. Both, however, are hubs of diversity.
Around 30% of Barcelona's population was born abroad, while in Birmingham the figure is approximately 20%. Birmingham notes that 51% of its residents belong to a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic group, with roots in 187 countries.
Defining the 'Second City' Ambition
Mr McArdle highlighted the pivotal difference in perception. "If you look at Spain, Barcelona is the second city, a fantastic place, and everybody recognises that it's a major force, on a par with Madrid," he said. He is keen to ensure that once Birmingham overcomes its financial troubles, it is ready to make a definitive mark.
The council's severe issues, which triggered the government intervention in 2023, include an equal pay liability up to £760m and costly failures in its IT and finance systems. The commissioner's mission is to fix these fundamentals so the city can focus on its broader potential.
From world-class architecture and beaches in Barcelona to Birmingham's extensive canal network, Michelin-starred restaurants, and major cultural venues, both cities have significant offerings. The challenge, as framed by McArdle, is for Birmingham to coalesce its assets into a coherent and respected identity that truly punches at its weight.
