THE COMMONWEALTH Games will bring huge benefits to the West Midlands, officials say.
With Coventry winning the UK City of Culture 2021, Birmingham’s triumph in its bid for the Commonwealth Games 2022 will put the region firmly in the limelight.
For the surrounding area, the success means a chance for investment, tourism and sporting development.
The 11-day festival of sport will see major investment in sporting arenas around the city including the upgrade of Alexander Stadium at Perry Barr and a new competition standard pool in Sandwell.
It could see an estimated £750 million pumped into the regional economy.
This is predicted to include hundreds of new homes at Perry Barr and see transport investment brought forward to ensure new Metro Tram lines and rapid bus systems are in place.
Jonathan Browning, chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), said: “Following hot on the heels of Coventry winning the bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021, it is great news our area will be very much involved in Birmingham being the Host City for the Commonwealth Games just 12 months later.
“We will be further building on our national and international profile since netball will take place at the Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena and lawn bowls at Victoria Park in Leamington which will attract thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe to Coventry and Warwickshire.
“With Birmingham City Council, we have also opened discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation for Coventry and Warwickshire to host the men’s and women’s road race and the men’s and women’s cycling time trials, and this is progressing well.
“The CWLEP has been fully supportive of Birmingham’s bid because of the major benefits it will bring to tourism and the economy generally.
“This will give us the opportunity to showcase our vibrant and culturally diverse region and will help with regeneration and I hope, along with hosting the City of Culture, it will inspire many people to get involved.
“The Midlands is well-connected with its transport links wherever players, officials or spectators are travelling from to take part in the Commonwealth Games, and there is certainly a great deal to look forward to over the next few years.”
Dame Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden, said: “Hearty congratulations to the city of Birmingham, West Midlands mayor Andy Street and the bid team who have secured the Commonwealth Games for Birmingham in 2022.
“This together with the Coventry City of Culture title, will bring significant extra investment into the West Midlands region – raising its profile as a whole and will be a whole lot of fun for us all – what a great Christmas present this is for the city”.
David Burbidge, chairman of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This is wonderful news that comes hot on the heels of Coventry being named UK City of Culture 2021.
“It means this region will have two years where the world’s spotlight will be on us and that is something we are all looking forward to.
“It’s testament to the way the region has come together over the past couple of years to submit such compelling bids for UK City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games and the real winners will be the people from right across this area.”
