Birmingham Chinatown Business Association

28/09/2026

A very positive and constructive meeting at Ming Moon Birmingham, bringing together the Birmingham Chinatown Business Association (BCTBA) and the Midlands Chinese Federation to discuss the proposed Chinese Arch for Birmingham Chinatown.

Ian Ward, former Leader of Birmingham City Council and Chair of the Midlands Chinese Federation, met with Mr Kin B**g Lam, Chair of BCTBA; Jenny Loynton, our Legal Adviser; and myself, Dorian Chan, Secretary General of BCTBA.

We had a very open and productive discussion about the work already undertaken, the potential S106 funding identified for the area, and different ideas for how we can work collaboratively to finally turn this long-standing ambition into reality.
Most importantly, there was a shared recognition that we should work together towards one landmark Chinese Arch for Birmingham Chinatown. Building even one major cultural landmark is a significant undertaking, and by bringing our organisations, the wider Chinese community, Birmingham City Council and other partners together, we have a much stronger opportunity to make it happen.
Thank you to Ian for a very constructive meeting and for recognising the work that has already been undertaken. We look forward to continuing this positive dialogue and working together towards a Chinese Arch that the whole community and the City of Birmingham can be proud of.

07/05/2026

We were delighted to present the Birmingham Chinatown Cultural Landmark Programme at the Central Cultural Quarter Forum this week.
A key focus of the session was the proposed Chinese Arch for Birmingham Chinatown — a long-standing aspiration of the local Chinese community for over 30 years.
It was a great opportunity to share the feasibility study and initial design work, developed in collaboration with the Zhuhai Institute of Urban Planning and Design, and to engage in constructive discussions with Birmingham City Council and key stakeholders.
A special thank you to Kelly Lui, architectural designer, for her support in the design and presentation.
We are particularly grateful for the support and attendance of the Lord Mayor, as well as colleagues from across planning, culture, tourism, and the wider community.
The discussion highlighted the strong potential for this project to become a significant cultural landmark for the city — strengthening identity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing Birmingham’s international profile.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with partners to take the next steps forward.

06/05/2026