London 2012 firm to build Games village
A CONSTRUCTION group which worked on the London 2012 Olympics has been named principal contractor of the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village.
Lendlease will lead construction of the village on the old Birmingham City University (BCU) campus in Perry Barr ahead of the Games coming to the city in 2022.
The site will accommodate around 6,500 athletes and officials during the event and will be known as the Commonwealth Games Village after which it will be used to provide 1,400 new homes for the area.
Demolition of the former BCU buildings started in June and is due to be completed shortly.
Proposals for the development, which are due to be considered by the city council’s planning committee in December, include an extra care village for older people, retail and commercial space and a new community centre.
Lendlease was also the development and construction management partner for the London 2012 Olympic Village and built the athletes’ village. It also developed the £450 million BBC Broadcasting House in London and partnered with the city council on the £513 million ‘Building Schools for the Future’ renovation project in Birmingham.
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s great to have Lendlease on board.
“They have an unmatched track record of delivering major projects like this on time and to the highest quality. I’m pleased to welcome them to the team and I have every confidence that they will work well with us to deliver a development that will be used for the Commonwealth Games Village that we can all be proud of in 2022 and beyond.”
Waheed Nazir, Birmingham City Council’s corporate director for economy, added: “I’m delighted by the progress we have made in delivering this fantastic scheme which will transform the heart of Perry Barr.
“We have made great strides since the Commonwealth Games were awarded to Birmingham in December 2017.
“In less than a year, we have assembled all the land we need for the residential component of the development, nearly completed the demolition of the BCU buildings, designed the new development, submitted a planning application and now appointed a principal contractor.”
Dan Labbad, chief executive for Europe with Lendlease, said: “The city of Birmingham has an exciting future that will further its global recognition and increase its influence on culture and industry across the UK.
“It’s great to be part of this growth and we look forward to working with Birmingham City Council to create a place that will positively benefit local people and visitors while creating more jobs, more homes and a legacy that surpasses this historic event.”