The redevelopment of Alexander Stadium has been approved by the Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee.
Initially, the stadium, at Walsall Road, Perry Barr, is set to be the focal point of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as the athletics events during the 11-day event which features 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories.
The revamped stadium will host a range of tenants including the world-famous Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club and Birmingham City University.
The stadium will provide a new home for the university’s sports and exercise students, as well as becoming a focal point for a range of leisure, health and wellbeing for the wider general public.
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We’ve always been clear that Birmingham 2022 is about much more than 11 days of fantastic world-class sporting action. The Games are about regeneration, improved health and wellbeing, promoting the city on a global stage and building civic pride.
“This particular scheme is integral to all of those aims and benefits – the eyes of the Commonwealth and indeed the wider world will be on the venue during the Games, but the longer-term opportunities the improved stadium will offer a regenerated Perry Barr, and indeed the wider region and nation, mean the delivery of this scheme is crucial for the city’s future.”
Ian Reid, chief executive for Birmingham 2022, said: “The Alexander Stadium is a pivotal venue for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as not only will it host the track and field events for athletics but it’s also where we will stage our official opening and closing ceremonies for the Games.
Construction of the new stand will commence in spring of this year, with completion in late 2021.
