Alexander Stadium set for £70million revamp
Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed on Wednesday that Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is to benefit from a substantial investment of £70million, and a major overhaul, ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the West Midlands city.
The changes to the 40-year-old stadium, which currently hosts the British Championships and Diamond League events annually, will bring an increase in capacity from the current 12,500 up to 40,000 in time for the Games, with 20,000 permanent seats to be retained following the showpiece.
There will also be the introduction of new community sports facilities within the new stand, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space.
Speaking during a visit to the home of UK Athletics, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies in addition to the track and field action at the Games in four years’ time, Mrs May said: "Birmingham's dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I'm sure that, in four years' time, the people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world.
"The investment I am announcing today will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility benefitting the local community and the region well beyond 2022."
