Birmingham 2022 Unveils Legacy Plan

Organisers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have released a national Legacy Plan, outlining a series of Games’ firsts that aim to leave a ‘lasting, positive impact on jobs, skills, education, culture, physical activity and investment across the West Midlands and the UK’.

The plan outlines how the Games’ £778 million worth of public investment into the West Midlands will aim to benefit people in the region and beyond both during and after Games time, as well as leaving a blueprint for future Games to follow.

The plan, delivered as part of a partnership between the Birmingham 2022 organising committee, the government, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, Commonwealth Games Federation, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Growth Company and Commonwealth Games England, aims to be a ‘catalyst for change’ and includes several ‘firsts’.

The national plan aims to be the first carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games; the first time firms bidding for contracts must include a social value requirement; include the largest business and tourism programme of any Games to attract international visitors and investment to the region and the UK; and deliver the first Games to fully integrate volunteers from all delivery partners into a united volunteer programme.

“The Games is a truly unique moment to showcase our great city and region to the world,” said John Crabtree, Chairman, Birmingham 2022.

“It will help us to draw all our neighbours together after the most challenging of times, with a sense of unity and purpose. The Games’ partners are embracing this once in a generation occasion with both hands to ensure the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games leads our recovery with a legacy of renewal, growth, hope and inspiration.

“We are determined that the connections, friendships, and opportunities that the Games will provide us with, will continue to flourish and thrive. As individuals, as neighbours, as communities and as a region we must seize the Games moment as our catalyst to a happier, healthier, and more prosperous future.”

Nicola Turner MBE – Director of Legacy (Cross-Partner), Birmingham 2022, added: “More than ever, it feels like 2022 will be an important year. 

“From cleaner air to new jobs I’m seeing so many possibilities for how the Games can help the West Midlands become a fairer, greener, healthier and more prosperous place. Planning for the legacy starts now and, fuelled by the Games for everyone vision, we intend to make the most of it.”