24 Jun 2019
Plans revealed for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games stadium
BY Tom Walker
Conceptual designs have been revealed for Birmingham's Alexander Stadium, which are set to transform the athletics stadium into the main stadium of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The venue in the city's Perry Barr district will be the focal point of the 2022 Games, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events.
The £70m redevelopment of the stadium will increase the stadium's permanent seating capacity from 12,700 to 18,000.
During the Games, the venue – which first opened in 1976 and frequently hosts the English Schools' Athletics Championships – will have a capacity of 40,000 through additional temporary seating.
Key features of the redevelopment include a new western stand replacing the existing Main, Knowles and Nelson stands.
There will also be new tiered seating to the north and south and the venue will be fitted with new stadium lighting.
On the playing field, a new 400m 6-lane warm-up track will be installed and the main track will be replaced with a nine-lane IAAF Category 1 track.
Outside of the stadium, work will see Improved public realm and parking provision, with additional landscaping and signage in order to cater for a major event.
“We’re now in an exciting phase of the design process where we would like to share our plans for the future with the community and hear their thoughts," said Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council.
“The team has designed a redeveloped stadium which will meet the needs and aspirations of the community for generations to come. This is about creating a destination venue, shaping a legacy beyond the Commonwealth Games.
“We are making lots of information and detail available, so I encourage as many people as possible to come along, have a look at the designs and provide their feedback.”
The works will be funded by Birmingham City Council, as part of its commitment to provide 25 per cent – in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority – of the total expected Games budget of £750m.
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