William Eichler 30 September 2016

Birmingham bids for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Birmingham has declared its intention to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and has called on the entire region to support it.

The bid has the potential to generate in excess of £390m GVA for the local economy, create thousands of jobs and put the region on the global stage. And preparation for it will also help boost the city’s transport and housing plans.

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, the West Midlands Combined Authority and Midlands Engine have all thrown their collective weight behind the city’s bid, but Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, called for more support.

‘We’re calling on the entire region to get behind this bid,’ he said.

‘The economic benefit, not to mention the excitement and legacy of such an immense sporting event would have on this area, is massive.

‘We are the perfect choice to host the Commonwealth Games.’

Scotland reaped a number of benefits when Glasgow hosted the games in 2014. The Glasgow Games generated nearly £740m worth of GVA for Scotland, and attracted 690,000 additional visitors.

Steve Hollis, deputy and interim chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, said: ‘Greater Birmingham is perfectly poised to welcome the thousands of sports fans and athletes for the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘We are one of the most connected regions in the world with unrivalled transport links, accommodation, world-class venues and entertainment.’

‘Unlike other cities considering bidding, we already have significant infrastructure in place and HS2 is also set to be operational from 2026,’ he continued.

‘Working collaboratively across the public and private sector has been the cornerstone of our economic success – and it’s that spirit that gives us a great chance of bringing the Games to Birmingham.’

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner