2022 Commonwealth Games: Birmingham named host city

Birmingham has been named as the venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The announcement was made by the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) president, Louise Martin, at the Arena Academy in the city this morning.

"It is my great pleasure to announce that the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be – Birmingham," Martin said.

This will be the first time the Games have been hosted in England since the 2002 edition in Manchester, and the first in the UK since the 2014 Games in Glasgow.

Original hosts Durban stripped of Games

Originally, the 2022 edition was awarded to Durban, South Africa; however, due to financial problems, the CGF stripped the city of the Games in 2015.

Birmingham was the only replacement bid submitted to the CGF by the 30 September deadline.

After calling Birmingham’s bid not "fully compliant", the CGF re-opened the biding process for a further two months. However, no more proposals were received.

Despite being the only candidate, Birmingham was still made to wait for three months for the CGF's approval, before being confirmed today.

£750 million investment

Birmingham’s bid, organised by the City Council, was based on the idea of being the "heart of the UK" and the "soul of the Commonwealth".

As part of the proposal, the Government pledged to finance 75% of the estimated £750 million bill, while the City Council will raise the remainder.

For the Games, it is planned to increase the capacity of Alexander Stadium, one of Birmingham’s main sports venues, from 12,000 to 50,000, with a permanent capacity of 25,000.

Only one new venue has been proposed, the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, which will host swimming and diving events.

"With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth," Martin said.

"We want this to be a brand-new chapter in Birmingham's history, and we want you to be part of that."