Government agrees 2022 Commonwealth Games budget

Artist's impression of Commonwealth Games Village in Perry Barr

The Government has agreed a £778m investment in Birmingham and the West Midlands to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The public funding, which includes contingency, will be split approximately 75% / 25% between investment from central government (£594m) and Birmingham City Council and a number of its key partners (£184m).

This investment will deliver significant benefits for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK long after the 11 days of sport in 2022 are over.

Birmingham 2022 will open up a wealth of opportunities, including business and trade, cultural engagement, volunteering, physical activity, jobs and skills, education and tourism.

More than 1 million tickets will be made available for spectators from across the UK and around the world.

Additional commercial revenue will be raised by the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee and Commonwealth Games Federation Partnerships through ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandising and the sale of broadcast rights.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Sport and Civil Society said: “The Games budget is a significant investment in Birmingham and the region that will deliver benefits to local people for years to come. It will increase participation and encourage more people to get active and stay active, and to volunteer to be part of this fantastic event 10 years on from London 2012.”

The Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee will also lay its accounts before Parliament in the usual manner for government arm’s length bodies.

Birmingham was awarded the rights to host the Games in December 2017 and the announcement comes following a detailed budget review.

“The Games are undoubtedly a catalyst, bringing forward many regeneration and infrastructure schemes, so they are delivered much quicker that we could have done so otherwise,” said coun Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

“The event also gives us a golden opportunity to reposition the city and region on a global stage and bring citizens together. The announcement of the budget is a time to reflect upon this and thank all of the partner organisations that have joined forces to put resources into the local contribution to the overall Games budget.”

The £778m covers the costs for delivering the Games and a portion of the money will be invested in key venues, covering some of the costs relating to the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium and the building of the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

Regular financial updates will be published over the next three years, so that the Games’  progress can be tracked.

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