Birmingham looks at facilities provision as part of Commonwealth Games feasibility study
by Matthew Campelli | 17 Jan 2017
Ian Ward said hosting the Games would have a positive impact on the city and the surrounding area / Katja Ogrin/EMPICS Entertainment
Birmingham will take a detailed look at its facilities and infrastructure after launching an investigation into the feasibility of the city hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Origin Sports Group (OSG), headed up by veteran sports administrator Debbie Jevans, will carry out the study during the first three months of 2017.
The feasibility study will look at what facilities and provisions Birmingham needs to launch an official bid, so councillors and partners can develop firm proposals.
It will cover requirements for 6,500 athletes from 71 countries; up to 17 events and para-sport events; 12-15 competition venues, 10 non-competitor venues and 30 training venues; an 80,000-strong workforce of volunteers and contractors.
Former vice-chair of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Alan Pascoe, is overseeing the panel established by OSG.
Pascoe has worked on every Commonwealth Games since 1992, and helped Glasgow win its bid to host the 2014 Games.
CEO of London 2012 – the company that won the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid – Sir Keith Mills is also on board.
The cost of the study is capped at £170,000, of which the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is contributing £50,000.
Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said OSG was the “natural choice” to deliver the study.
He added: “Based on the experience of the most recent UK host Glasgow, the city of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region would benefit enormously from the Games coming here.
“In terms of creating economic infrastructure and inclusive growth for the city; delivering a sporting legacy, particularly at grassroots level; and repositioning the image and profile of Birmingham as a global city.”
Birmingham Commonwealth Games facilities30 Sep 2016
Birmingham shows off sporting venues as it officially launches 2026 Commonwealth Games bid
Birmingham will take a detailed look at its facilities and infrastructure after launching an investigation into the feasibility of the city hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Origin Sports Group (OSG), headed up by veteran sports administrator Debbie Jevans, will carry out the study during the first three months of 2017. The feasibility study will look at what facilities and provisions Birmingham needs to launch an official bid, so councillors and
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