In a series of reports to Cabinet on February 11, Birmingham City Council members will be asked to note overall strong progress in preparing for and delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Cabinet will also be asked to endorse an Outline Business Case (OBC) to realise the legacy of redeveloping the Alexander Stadium.
The OBC places the stadium at the heart of an improved Perry Park, transforming the much-loved open space into a hub of community, leisure, health and wellbeing activity – as part of the effort to improve the quality of life for those already living in the area and to make Perry Barr a place that people from far and wide want to visit and call home.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Having just secured planning permission to redevelop the Alexander Stadium, a scheme that is on budget and schedule, the publication of the OBC is yet more encouraging news as we continue to work with our Games Partners to prepare for the biggest event in the city’s history.
“Things are now starting to progress at pace ahead of the summer of 2022 when we welcome 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories to Birmingham.
“Post-Games, the rebuilt Stadium will become the focal point of all community, leisure and wellbeing activity in a regenerated Perry Barr. This OBC details the way forward as we seek to improve the quality of life for those already living in this part of north-west Birmingham.”
In addition, a £9million council investment is being proposed as part of an initial £15m package into services to ensure the wider city is truly “Games ready” and in the best position possible to reap the full long-term benefits of staging the event.
Cllr Ward added: “We are a proud host city, so this funding will enable the council to get things in place so the city is ready to maximise the potential of hosting the games and the benefits the event will bring in the years beyond 2022.
“The need for these resources was always anticipated. Its use will not be directly related to the actual delivery of the Games. It will be used to improve the city for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Birmingham, with full details in the months ahead.
“Given we have funding available at this time, it is right to allocate it now because with more than two years to go until the Games, it gives the council as much time as possible to maximise the benefits from this increased investment.”
Finally, with land assembly largely complete and a number of plots already let for construction works, approval will be sought at the February 11 meeting to enter into contract on the largest plot on the site (1,354 bedspaces) as the regeneration of Perry Barr continues at pace and the requirements for the Games Village are met.
In addition, the reports to Cabinet also detail how the council is continuing to work with partners locally and nationally to address previously-identified cost pressures between now and Games-time that relate to the Village, with a Revised Full Business Case for the scheme due before councillors in due course.
Background notes
Some of the key benefits of Birmingham hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games are as follows:
- For every £1 Birmingham invests in the Games, national Government is putting in £3 additional money that would not have come here otherwise;
- The Games will generate over 4,000 local jobs a year up until 2022;
- Backing local business: £300m of Games contracts are expected to benefit local or regional suppliers;
- 6,500 athletes and officials will come to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games from 71 nations and territories are expected to take part in Birmingham 2022;
- More than 1.3 million tickets will be available for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
- Birmingham 2022 is the largest event in the city’s history and more than 10,000 volunteers will be needed to help deliver the Games;
- The Games will kickstart the delivery of 5,000 new homes in Perry Barr;
- An estimated global audience of 1.5 billion will view the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
- 11 days of spectacular sporting action will be staged during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
- Birmingham is home to residents from 180+ countries – a truly Commonwealth city;
- An estimated 41,000 Games-time roles will be created for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
- Potential boost to the regional economy in excess of £1 billion (based on Gold Coast 2018 Games);
- 1,400 new homes to be built in Perry Barr on the site initially serving as the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village;
- Perry Park and Alexander Stadium will come together as one improved community facility, creating a destination for all to visit and enjoy;
- Additional walking and cycling routes into Perry Park;
- The provision of facilities at the revamped Alexander Stadium that meet local community needs and those of elite sport;
- A new educational offering at the Alexander Stadium through a partnership with Birmingham City University.
