The Birmingham Tolkien Strategy (3) Challenges and Opportunities

Ambitious as it was, not all elements of the original action plan have yet been achieved. There remain many challenges mainly relating to the large scale parts of the strategy and the necessary resources; capital, revenue and human. Not least is the putting together of a financial strategy and an appropriate marketing plan.

The Tolkien Centre business plan was delayed by several factors including issues in the River Cole flood plain. A survey revealed that the original site was impractical due to severe flooding - the scale of which was confirmed by the 2007 floods. The rear of the Mill was less affected and this is a possible location for a Tolkien Centre. However, the land is held in trust and special arrangements would be needed. The design would also need to be reconfigured to suit this location close to the Mill.

In Edgbaston there have been delays due to changing corporate arrangements regarding Perrott’s Folly and the Waterworks Tower. The original Perrott’s Folly issues were resolved, although others remain, and the present position is unclear. The Birmingham Tolkien Group are hopeful that the plans of Severn Trent Water will crystallise in the near future.

In Moseley, while planning permission was granted and fundraising for the Ent statue designed by Tim Tolkien made some initial progress, this project has now encountered difficulties and its future is uncertain.

The lottery bid of the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country was successful and reconfigured visitor arrangements for Moseley Bog have opened. It is hoped that it will be possible to include The Dell (which has strong Tolkien connections) and a path connecting The Dell to the bog itself.

It remains an objective to enhance links with Oxford and Stratford in terms of literary tourism. From the Birmingham perspective this would relate to those visitors who have a specific interest in Tolkien.

In terms of future events, there will be substantial opportunities, particularly in terms of visitors in the next few years including the following:

• The next two Tolkien films based on The Hobbit are due for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

• The Tolkien Society's international conference in Loughborough in August 2012 will provide opportunities for presentations and receiving visitor groups.

• The 2012 Olympic Games and the associated cultural Olympics.

• Birmingham Rep have a playwright working with library users and local people to create 'audio walks' culminating in a performance in the natural amphitheatre in Moseley Bog.

Following discussions with interested parties, the Birmingham Tolkien Group will bring forward proposals regarding these opportunities as resources allow.