Transformation at stadium

A symbol of pride for the region…

Stadium helping to shape the pandemic recovery – GBCC chief

Works to revamp Alexander Stadium are also continuing at pace in Perry Barr. The stadium is receiving a £72m makeover, which will increase permanent capacity of the stadium to 18,000 as 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

Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber president Joel Blake and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive, Henrietta Brealey, take a look at the works to revamp Alexander Stadium

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 buzzing and beamed across the country and the world.

“Even now, the momentum is building as announcements on developments, contracts, sports programme, ticketing and volunteering ramp up.

“I would encourage businesses in the city to grasp the opportunity be it through applying for procurement opportunities, engaging with volunteering opportunities or entering the ticket ballot and bringing colleagues and guests to the Games themselves. It truly is a once in a generation opportunity.”

• 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

…and Sandwell makes a splash too

A significant milestone was reached at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, under construction in Smethwick, as the tiling of the main competition pool for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games began.

Nigel Huddleston MP, minister for sport and tourism, and Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022, made their first visit to the site since February last year to inspect the impressive progress and to help work experience students from Sandwell College and representatives from Sandwell Council lay the first tiles.

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.”

The Sandwell Aquatics Centre will host the swimming and para swimming competition at the Games from 29 July to 3 August and the diving competition from 4 August to 8 August.

The total cost of the centre, which is on schedule and on budget, is £73m. Sandwell Council is contributing £27m with £38.5m coming from the Games budget.

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.