1. Chamberlink July Aug 1-30.qxp_Chamberlink 29/06/2021 11:52 Page 6
Business News
Chamberlink special: 12 months until the Games
A symbol of pride for the region… Stadium helping to shape the pandemic recovery – GBCC chief Greater Birmingham Commonwealth
Works to revamp Alexander Stadium are also Chamber president Joel Blake and Greater continuing at pace in Perry Barr. The stadium is Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief receiving a £72m makeover, which will increase executive, Henrietta Brealey, take a look at permanent capacity of the stadium to 18,000 as the works to revamp Alexander Stadium well as installation of temporary seating which will accommodate 40,000 spectators at Games time. A 400m six-lane track, improved public realm and parking provisions, landscaping, signage, lighting, practice throwing field and a new access road are also being installed as part of the development. It will be the centrepiece of Games time action, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games alongside six days of athletic sporting action. The roof liner sheets on the new stand have been finished, pre-cast terracing, the concrete support for seating, and the metal decked concrete floors for the new West Stand have been completed, and the feature steps for the northern plaza have been installed. Henrietta Brealey, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive, said that the development at Alexander Stadium is a symbol of just what the Commonwealth Games represents in the city-region – a chance for investment and celebration. She said: “The Commonwealth Games are helping shape regional recovery - and the Alexander Stadium is just one visible part of this. This £72m development is a symbol of just what the Commonwealth Games represents in the city region, a chance for investment, celebration and a confident new post-Covid era. From the aquatics centre in Sandwell to the mountain biking trails of Cannock Chase in just a year’s time the region will be The Sandwell Aquatics Centre A significant milestone was buzzing and beamed across the reached at the Sandwell Aquatics will host the swimming and para country and the world. Centre, under construction in swimming competition at the “Even now, the momentum is Smethwick, as the tiling of the Games from 29 July to 3 August building as announcements on main competition pool for the and the diving competition from 4 developments, contracts, sports Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth August to 8 August. programme, ticketing and Games began. The total cost of the centre, volunteering ramp up. Nigel Huddleston MP, minister for which is on schedule and on “I would encourage businesses in sport and tourism, and Ian Reid, budget, is £73m. Sandwell Council the city to grasp the opportunity be chief executive of Birmingham is contributing £27m with £38.5m it through applying for procurement 2022, made their first visit to the coming from the Games budget. opportunities, engaging with site since February last year to volunteering opportunities or inspect the impressive progress entering the ticket ballot and and to help work experience bringing colleagues and guests to students from Sandwell College the Games themselves. It truly is a and representatives from Sandwell once in a generation opportunity.” Council lay the first tiles.
…and Sandwell makes a splash too
• Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber president, Joel Blake, is urging the West Midlands to seize the opportunities being offering by the Games, to create a new ‘Global Narrative’ and forge new links with Commonwealth Countries. Read more on page 15 6 CHAMBERLINK July/August 2021
Mr Huddleson said: “Fantastic progress has been made on the Sandwell Aquatics Centre since I was last here in February 2020. “Not only will this amazing facility help put Sandwell on the map during Birmingham 2022, it will also become an outstanding new leisure centre for the community.”
On the tiles: Sports minister Nigel Huddleston lays the first tiles at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
AQUATICS CENTRE STATS • 90,000 tiles will be used at the centre altogether, with 41,500 in the competition pool, 32,500 in the dive pool, 10,000 in the studio pool and 67,000 in other areas of the facility. A further 39,000 tiles will be used when the centre is converted to a community leisure facility after the Games • With 66 medal events in total set to be held at the facility, it will be the stage for more medal moments than any other Birmingham 2022 venue. • The seating capacity for the Games will be approximately 5,000 seats (the leisure facility post Games will have 1,000 permanent seats) • The project has helped to create jobs for local people and local apprentices. Local businesses have also benefitted by being part of the supply chain • The state-of-the-art facility will include a 50m Olympicsized swimming pool as well as a 25m diving pool and a community swimming pool it will be a fantastic community leisure facility for years to come.
