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Birmingham awarded Purple Flag status

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Want a great night out for people of all ages? Head to Birmingham – it’s official!

The City has been awarded ‘purple flag’ status (like the blue flags given to beaches) in a new scheme that recognises excellence in managing town and city centres offering a real mix of things to do in the evening – such as art and music venues, restaurants and shopping, as well as pubs and clubs.

The Home Office backed scheme is being managed by the Association of Town Centre Management. Town centres are assessed on everything from crime and safety to the cleanliness of the public toilets. It has developed over a number of years and aims to improve the image and standards of Britain’s towns at night.

Along with Covent Garden and Leicester Square in Westminster, Bath, Manchester and Kingston-upon-Thames, Birmingham was one of the first areas to be awarded the prestigious Purple Flag at an awards dinner at the Council House in January.

The Broad Street BID are amongst the key partners in the process being led by Birmingham City Centre Partnership (BCCP) on attaining the standard for the city centre.

Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Services, said “This award is a real boost to the local economy and will be great for attracting visitors to the city, just as the Blue Flag Award scheme for beaches does for seaside resorts. Winning the Purple Flag demonstrates to residents, businesses, shoppers, tourists and visitors that Birmingham city centre is clean, safe, enjoyable and accessible at night.”

Jenny Inglis, Birmingham City Centre Director, said “It is great news that Birmingham city centre is amongst the first UK locations to receive a Purple Flag and the judges were most impressed at the way the city centre is managed through an effective partnership involving the Business Improvement Districts, City Council, West Midlands Police and others. This accolade clearly demonstrates to visitors that our city centre offers quality, choice and, most importantly, a safe and enjoyable night out. We were also thrilled to be given the honour of hosting the first ever awards ceremony here in Birmingham.

Chief Superintendent Andy Nicholson, City Centre Police Commander, said “People want to be reassured that when they venture out for the night they’ll be safe. The flag shows residents of Birmingham and visitors that the city centre is a safe place for the whole family and that there is much more to Birmingham at night than just pubs and clubs”.