Birmingham’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games Monday presented a project the city says will result in a “low cost, low risk, high quality Games.” The Birmingham Commonwealth Games Steering Group submitted a preliminary questionnaire at the deadline last week
“With 95% of the competition venues already in place, Birmingham 2022 has adopted a prudent and innovative approach to creating a low cost, low risk, high quality Games,” a statement from the bid said.
Birmingham is among bidders from four nations that have expressed interest in replacing Durban to host the 2022 Games on short notice after the South African city was stripped of the event earlier this year when it missed financial milestones. On Friday Liverpool also submitted bid plans to the British sport authority.
Victoria in Canada launched a bid campaign earlier this month while Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in Australia have also expressed interest in bidding.
The bid steering group have outlined three ‘core drivers’ behind the city’s vision for the Games claiming first that the Games will be “connected and accessible” with 28 million people within a two-hour drive of the city. The Games will also emphasize “youth and inclusivity” with 40 percent of the population under the age of 25 and a regional population comprising of 187 nationalities.
A third driver of “regeneration and rejuvenation” will help accelerate the implementation of the city’s Birmingham Development Plan 2031 that will create jobs, promote volunteerism, increase housing and change behaviors through better access to sport.
An enhanced and refurbished Alexander Stadium will be a key component to the Birmingham 2022 Games. By improving the track and extending the seating, the venue will be able to accommodate the Ceremonies along with athletics, and will leave a lasting track legacy for the entire Commonwealth.
Also on Monday, Birmingham 2022 launched its logo and social media hashtag #BrumBid2022.
Ian Ward, Deputy Leader Birmingham City Council and Chair, Birmingham Commonwealth Games Steering Group, said “our vision is brought to life through the new logo which positions Birmingham as the heart of the UK, soul of the Commonwealth.”
“Our logo is open and inviting and its explosion of colour celebrates Birmingham’s super-diversity and youthful energy. ”
Anita Bhalla, Board Member, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, 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.”
The Commonwealth Games Federation is expected to choose a replacement host this fall.
