PM reveals £70m to build stadium for 2022 Games
PRIME Minister Theresa May has announced that Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium will see £70 million of investment to turn it into a world-class athletics venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Mrs May also visited the stadium on Wednesday to meet young athletes hoping to be stars of the future. It comes as Birmingham gets ready to take the baton from the Gold Coast at the closing of the Commonwealth Games this Sunday.
The investment will convert the 40-year-old stadium into a landmark international sports venue for the city and the whole West Midlands.
Its capacity will increase from 12,700 to 40,000 and the stadium will retain 20,000 permanent seats after the event.
Mrs May said: “Birmingham’s dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I’m sure that, in four years’ time, the people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world.
“The investment I am announcing will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility benefitting the local community and the region well beyond 2022.”
In 2022 the venue will host athletes from across the Commonwealth competing in track and field as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
The revamped stadium will also include new community sports facilities within the new stand, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space created to host business and cultural events after the Games.
Birmingham was awarded the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games last year after the city impressed the Commonwealth Games Federation with its ambitious bid to create a lasting sporting legacy, with a focus on inspiring young people and celebrating the diversity of the Commonwealth.
The Government said a budget for the Games will be revealed once a full review has been completed, followed by regular financial updates in the run up to the Games in 2022.
The people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world Prime Minister Theresa May