Back in April, we brought The Next Chapter to Birmingham New Street – an interactive exhibition celebrating the community legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Over four days, we transformed the station into a storytelling space, filled with fairytales, podcasts, knights, and lions – all sharing the impact of United By 2022 so far.
But we didn’t just tell our story – we asked for yours.
We posed one simple question to residents and visitors alike:
“If you had one wish for the West Midlands, what would it be?”
From heartfelt calls for stronger communities to practical ideas for cleaner streets, the responses painted a vibrant picture of what matters most to people in our region today.
The key themes from your wishes:
- Community Spirit – more events, festivals, and ways to bring people together.
- Support for Young People – access to education, jobs, and life opportunities.
- Economic Growth – career support and pathways for young adults.
- Public Services – improved transport, cleaner streets, and open libraries.
- Recreation & Sport – accessible sports facilities and activities for all ages.
- Mental Health – more accessible, better-resourced services.
- Environment – protecting green spaces and reducing pollution.
One thing shone through in almost every response – an overwhelming sense of pride in our region, and a shared desire to see it thrive.
📄 We’ve put together a snapshot of all the themes and ideas you shared. You can read it here:
Thank you to everyone who stopped, smiled, and shared their vision for our region. This is just the beginning – and The Next Chapter is still being written.
