Having previously held the role of manager for Southside from 2010-2016, Julia rejoins the BID after two successful years building a new Business Improvement District in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

James Wong, Chairman of Southside BID Ltd, said: “We are delighted Julia has agreed to return to Birmingham to help us deliver our ambitious programme to transform the district in 2019.

“Julia was incredibly popular with local businesses when she was here until 2016 and since then the BID has struggled to find anyone with the creative vision to help us realise our plans for Southside. We are confident that, with her back at the helm, we can achieve the results we need.”

Lawrence Barton, Southside Director and MD of GB Training, added: “Southside is changing rapidly and the BID’s programme to help businesses prosper in this transforming climate needs an individual who can deliver quality results fast, Julia has always been that person for us. I’m very happy she has returned to Southside”.

Julia Robinson commented: “The Southside Board has developed a fantastic programme of transformational projects for Southside and when they asked me to deliver them on their behalf, I jumped at the chance. Southside is already the most vibrant and diverse part of the city centre and the plans for 2019-2020 will make the district more colourful and interesting than ever before. It’s an incredibly exciting time to have a business here and I am really looking forward to making the Board’s vision a reality. Watch this space!”

Southside BID was established in 2011, and encompasses a diverse district including the Chinese Quarter and Gay Village, the Arcadian Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Radisson Blu Hotel and 02 Academy. The Electric Cinema, Old Rep Theatre and the National Trust Back to Backs also add to the area’s eclectic mix, alongside a wide range of city living developments, retail, commercial and office space.