Sir Richard Knowles: 2007 Lunar Medal citation

Sir Richard Knowles has had a long life of political and public service in the region. In particular his period as leader of Birmingham City Council will be best remembered for the bold implementation of a development strategy that transformed much of the city centre. The construction of the Symphony Hall and Conference Centre led to the regeneration of the city economy, and the creation of a new tourist destination that few could have conceived of a generation ago.

It is likely that this transformation from a mainly manufacturing base to a mixed economy of leisure and services, notwithstanding the need to continue to promote our traditional skills and industries, may well be seen by future historians to be as significant as the changes brought about by the members of the eighteenth century Lunar Society. In recognition of his outstanding role in this transformation, the Society is pleased to award this medal.