Alexander Stadium in Birmingham is set to be transformed into a world-class athletics venue ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The £70m investment will see the capacity of the stadium boosted from 12,700 to 40,000 in a bid to ensure maximum visitor numbers to the games.

The Commonwealth Games and the huge potential they can offer the economic environment in the West Midlands is set to be a huge focus of our Birmingham Development Plans Conference in May – where we’ll hear from Ian Ward – Chairman of Birmingham 2022 and Leader of Birmingham City Council.

The investment in the capacity of the 40-year old stadium wont just see the improvements last over the Commonwealth Games. Plans are to retain 20,000 seats following the conclusion of the Games, which are currently taking place on the Gold Coast.

The revamped stadium will also include new community sports facilities within the new stand, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space created to host business and cultural events after the Games. The stadium is already the administrative home for YK Athletics and used for Diamond League events.

The stadium is set not only to host the competing track and field athletes, but it’ll also be the centre stage for both the opening and closing ceremonies of the games. Prime Minister Theresa May said of the investment: ”Birmingham’s dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I’m sure that in four year’s time, the people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world. The investment will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility benefiting the local community and the region well beyond 2022.”

Join us to hear about the exciting plans that the Commonwealth Games will bring at the Birmingham Development Plans Conference.