Joe Holyoak is an architect and urban designer, and has experience of masterplanning, regeneration, and community engagement. He was previously Director of the MA (Urban Design) course at Birmingham City University. He was the coordinator of the Balsall Heath Neighbourhood Plan, the first in Birmingham. He is a conservationist and Chair of Birmingham City Council’s Conservation and Heritage Panel. He also does casework for both the Victorian Society and the Twentieth Century Society.

Balsall Heath grew up in the age of manufacturing and the expansion of Birmingham. Its once green fields became filled with densely packed terraced housing. With the decline of manufacturing industry, many people in Balsall Heath became unemployed and some moved out in search of other jobs. Some observers told residents that there was little it could do to improve matters, and that they should move out in search of a better neighbourhood.

From being one of Birmingham’s least desirable areas, it became one of its best. More and more residents resolved to make a difference and to further improve their area. So it was both a boost for the area, and very timely, when Balsall Heath was chosen to be a Neighbourhood Planning frontrunner.