£70m Commonwealth Games stadium and park plans revealed

Images for the £70m redevelopment of the Perry Park and Alexander Stadium area ahead of the Commonwealth Games have been revealed, allaying fears of local residents.

Birmingham City Council has released the preliminary images, which also cover the Walsall Road Allotments and how they will play a “key part in the legacy of the park.”

A major petition was launched on Change.org to help save the allotments, which at the time of writing 13,624 people had signed, asking the council to remove the allotments from their Commonwealth Game redevelopment plans for the area. The council has now assured petitioners that the allotments will be protected.

The stadium is set to host the athletics opening and closing ceremonies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Council leader showed representatives of the allotments how the area could look after the major investment, which it said would not include the removal or relocation of the allotments, a concern for local residents. The council says it will provide a “first-class legacy venue” for grassroots and elite sports, as well as community-accessible facilities.

Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, said: “I’m delighted to reassure Robert the cat and his friends that the Walsall Road Allotments will be protected.

“The residents, businesses and community groups of Perry Barr should be at the very heart of Birmingham 2022 and we want to ensure that they feel the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.”

Betty Farruggia, site manager of the Walsall Road Allotments said: “I am elated to hear that the allotment site will be retained. We will work closely with the council in the months and years ahead to facilitate the smooth running of the Games and further develop the strong feeling of community that we have here and in the wider area.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support and the council who have listened to our comments and concerns.”

The final masterplan for the area will be submitted to the city council’s Cabinet later this year.