Games bid is win-win for city Business bosses back push to host Commonwealth Games 2022
BIRMINGHAM business bosses are backing the city’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 as an opportunity to create jobs and boost the economy.
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) made its call as the city confirmed it will go head to head with Liverpool in a contest to become the UK’s nominated host city.
Birmingham’s unveiled a Commonwealth Games logo and con- firmed it would create the UK’s largest permanent athletics stadium at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr as the focus for the event.
The stadium, which is already home to UK Athletics, has a capacity of more than 12,000 but this would be increased to 40,000.
It would host the opening and closing ceremonies for the Games and would be the major athletics venue for the games.
With 95 per cent of sporting venues and facilities already in place, Birmingham is promoting itself as the ‘low risk, low cost’ potential host and one which can deliver a global sporting event within an unusually short time scale.
GBCC chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “The announcement represents a huge opportunity for the Greater Birmingham region and has the full backing of the region’s business community.
“It will once again put Birmingham on a global stage and at the same time create job opportunities in the build-up as well in the work that will be required on some of the sports infrastructure in the city.
“We greatly look forward to working with the business community in the city to promote Birmingham’s bid and if successful to ensure we make the very best of the Games. Every aspect of business in the city, from the shops and theatre to the bars and restaurants will benefit.”
Anita Bhalla of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, which is also backing the bid, said: “Birmingham and the region have a proven track record in hosting major sporting events, so we are well positioned to deliver a Games to remember.
“The Games will provide us with an opportunity not only to show our sporting strength, but also our historic links to the Commonwealth. It will further enhance regional tourism and support our growing economy.”
As well as Alexander Stadium, events are also likely to be staged at the Barclaycard Arena, the NEC, ICC, Sutton Park, Edgbaston Cricket Stadium and further afield in the Black Country, Cannock and Coventry.
Three masterminds of the London 2012 Olympics, Debbie Jevans CBE, Sir Keith Mills and Alan Pascoe MBE – through their Origin Sports Group, carried out a feasibility study and have now been appointed to further develop the bid.