City could rescue 2022 Commonwealth Games Birmingham might be asked to step in as Durban pulls out
BIRMINGHAM could step in to hold the Commonwealth Games four years earlier than it had hoped.
The Second City has already declared a bid for the 2026 Games – but now Durban, in South Africa, which was due to host the Games in 2022 has pulled out – meaning it is now up for grabs.
Birmingham has high hopes for its 2026 Games bid, potentially creating the biggest sporting event in the history of the city.
Liverpool had previously suggested it was prepared to consider applying for the 2022 Games but is nowhere near as well-prepared as Birmingham.
The city already has key facilities like Alexander Stadium, the Barclaycard and LG Arenas, the NEC and ICC, Villa Park, St Andrews and Edgbaston Cricket Stadium which would require only modest and adaptations to host the Games.
Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said he was already in touch with the Government about the prospect of stepping in.
“We are aware of the decision from the Commonwealth Games Federation to seek a new host for the 2022 games,” Cllr Ward said. “Here in Birmingham we are already in the advanced stages of producing a detailed feasibility study on what would be needed for a truly memorable games. “That is due to be completed in the coming weeks and we are in close contact with the Government about the developing situation.” But opposition Conservative councillor Des Flood remained sceptical over the bid, raising concerns over the costs. He said: “Now is not the time to be financing such a bid when local residents are seeing their libraries, leisure centres, parks, changing rooms and community centres being closed or having their hours greatly reduced, due to the lack of the management of the councils finances by this city council.” He said they should instead concentrate efforts on providing quality grass roots sports facilities for use all year round rather than a two week festival in five years time.