Birmingham has been confirmed as the host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, bringing the event to England for the first time since Manchester hosted the 2002 Games.
Louise Martin, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, made the announcement at the Arena Academy in the city on Thursday morning.
Birmingham’s bid had been deemed “non-compliant” by the CGF in October, but assurances over financial backing and land for an athletes’ village have now been given.
Quick guide
Birmingham 2022: the bid and venues
Taglined “Heart of the UK, soul of the Commonwealth” – it was pushed as “a compelling and low‑risk” option, with 95% of the venues in place. Alexander Stadium will be upgraded to a 40,000‑seat venue, while the only new facility will be the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. There are plans, too, for a 1,000-home athletes’ village in Perry Barr north of the city, and an extensive cultural programme based around “Festival Squares” – Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Chamberlain Square and Brindleyplace
Athletics: Alexander Stadium
Aquatics and diving: New Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Badminton: Genting Arena
Basketball: Victoria Square
Boxing: NEC Hall 1
Gymnastics: Barclaycard Arena
Hockey: University of Birmingham
Judo: NEC Hall 4
Lawn Bowls: Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa
Netball: Ericsson Indoor Arena, at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Rugby 7s: Villa Park
Squash: University of Birmingham
Table tennis: NEC Hall 5
Weightlifting and para powerlifting: Symphony Hall
Wrestling: NEC Hall 4
The cost of the Games is expected to be around £750m. The government has pledged to cover £560m, with the local council responsible for around £180m. With recent problems involving disputes with female council staff and refuse collectors over pay, there have been concerns raised about Birmingham’s ability to pay for the Games but it is understood the council has given guarantees to the government and CGF.
One plan under consideration is a hotel tax, which would see visitors to the city pay a levy on their bills. This would be the first such tax in the UK.
Durban had been selected as the original host but it was stripped of the Games in March after failing to meet numerous financial deadlines.
Birmingham becomes the third English city to host the Games, after London and Manchester. The 2018 Games will take place in Australia’s Gold Coast from 4-15 April.