Location of aquatics centre for 2022 Games revealed
THE location of the £60 million aquatics centre to be used in the 2022 Commonwealth Games has been revealed.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said it planned to build the new swimming complex and gym at Londonderry Playing Fields, in Smethwick.
The building, which will be run by Sandwell Leisure Trust, will have a 50-metre competition pool, 25-metre diving pool and seating for 5,000 spectators alongside two activity studios, a 12-court sports hall, 125-station gym, 25-station womenonly gym, cycling studio, sauna/ steam room and a café.
The council will now put the proposal to the Commonwealth Games Federation which confirmed Birmingham as the host city for the 2022 games in December.
The cost of building the new centre will be met by various organisations involved in delivering the 2022 Games including the organising committee, Sandwell Council and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. The council said adequate alternative spaces would be provided for any playing fields lost in Londonderry Lane as a result of the development.
Two swimming pools, Smethwick Baths in Thimblemill Road and a pool in Langley, will close to make way for the new centre.
Council leader Steve “The Commonwealth going to be a fantastic, lifetime opportunity for Eling said: Games is once-in-athe West Midlands. Here in Sandwell, we are very proud to be part of it and to be chosen to host the aquatics centre.
“The eyes of the world will be on Sandwell and the benefits to the local economy will be huge with significant investment into the area and athletes and visitors from around the globe.
“We were already looking improve swimming facilities in to the south of the borough (so) we will now be able to build an even better new leisure facility to serve the local community for decades to come.
“Londonderry Playing Fields is well-placed to meet the needs of local people and is in an area highlighted as having a high demand for a swimming facility.”
The proposals will be considered by the council’s cabinet on January 31 and, if approved, will be followed by a public consultation and the submission of a planning application. Other Commonwealth Games events will be held at Alexander Stadium, Barclaycard Arena, NEC, Genting Arena, Symphony Hall and the University of Birmingham. Villa Park will also host the Rugby 7s and Coventry’s Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena will host netball.