Liverpool cries foul over 2022 Games ‘stitch-up’ Mayor queries £165m award to help pay for athletes’ village
THE mayor of Liverpool has called the bidding process for the Commonwealth Games a “stitch-up” after the Government awarded £165 million to Birmingham to help build the Athletes’ Village.
Last week it was announced that the Government would be putting the money towards the cost of the village to be built in Perry Barr for the 2022 Games.
However, the legitimacy of the bidding process for the Games has been called into question by Joe Anderson, the mayor of Liverpool who were rivals to stage the Games.
Mr Anderson claimed the interviewing panel questioned Liverpool’s ability to raise the funds to host the Games, yet now the Government has announced a huge investment in Birmingham.
“The panel interviewing for Commonwealth Games 2022 questioned our ability to fund Athletes Village funded by the city,” he said in a tweet.
“Now the Tory Government is to fund Athletes Village in Birmingham to the tune of £165 million. “This was clearly a stitch-up.” In response, a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said that Birmingham’s bid had always made it clear that they would be seeking Government funding for the Athletes’ Village.
He added that Birmingham was simply chosen as it made a stronger offer than Liverpool.
“Birmingham’s bid was selected following a rigorous and robust assessment process,” he said.
Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham’s ICC last week, Communities Secretary James Brokenshire said: “In 2022 Birmingham will host the Commonwealth Games. It will provide the platform for this great city to shine on a global stage. The chance to drive economic potential. The chance to create a sense of pride – not just in this city but our country as a whole.
“I’m proud to announce the Government funding for the construction of the Athletes’ Village.
“We will invest £165 million to help support 5,000 new homes, but just as importantly, create a long-lasting legacy for Birmingham.”