The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has welcomed the announcement on the Birmingham 2022 budget by the UK Government as it showcases a significant reduction in Commonwealth Games delivery costs.
The announcement confirms that the cost of delivering the Commonwealth Games, and associated public funding, has been managed down whilst investment in long-term infrastructure and capital projects in Birmingham and the West Midlands is being accelerated.
The announcement of £778m of public funding comprises contributions towards Games operational costs and additional legacy investments, that have been brought forward for the Games, such as long-term capital infrastructure. The total public investment confirmed for Birmingham is significantly lower than the previous Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018, which totalled £967m*.
CGF Chief Executive David Grevemberg CBE said: “We are delighted to have confirmation of the Birmingham 2022 budget, which reinforces the Commonwealth Games’ position as a cost-efficient multi-sport event focused on delivering long-term benefits for the host city and region.
“An important element of the budget detail is the significant decrease in direct Games delivery costs compared to Gold Coast 2018. A key focus since the launch of our strategic plan, Transformation 2022, has been to continually enhance the appeal and social impact of the Commonwealth Games, but also buck the global trend of rising Games delivery costs. Thanks to extensive partnership working and our new delivery model, we are pleased to see the operational costs come down and the value of the event to the host city and region fully maximised.
“Today’s announcement provides operational certainty for a spectacular celebration of sport, business and culture in just over three years’ time; but also unlocks significant investment in transformational infrastructure and legacy initiatives that will benefit Birmingham and the West Midlands for generations to come.”
Recognising the gradual increase in costs over time, the CGF has transformed its Games Delivery approach for the 2022, 2026 and 2030 Games to reverse the trend of increasing costs from Games-to-Games and work closely with host government partners to support the ongoing sustainability, impact and appeal of the event for host communities.
The decrease in the Games costs for Birmingham 2022 ensures a successful but sustainable Games; whilst ensuring Birmingham 2022 is a catalyst for transformation in the city and the region with huge investment in multiple long-term infrastructure and capital projects brought forward. This includes the complete redevelopment of the Perry Barr area, introduction of Sprint buses and new facilities at Sandwell. These projects have attracted additional investment – over and above the Games budget – from both central and local government.
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