Birmingham 2022 has always been about more than sport and tickets, unafraid to do things differently, and striving for new benchmarks in creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability and to leave an indelible mark on the region. To help leave that mark, we have launched a publication that provides an update on our progress. The legacy story is not yet over, with a number of programmes continuing beyond the Games. This publication is a summary of the emerging impacts and how, together with our legacy partners, we have used the Games to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, act as a catalyst for change, help the region to grow and succeed, and put us on the global stage.

Across 12 programmes of work we have ‘taken it on’, creating a legacy that will not only travel on to future events, but also within Birmingham and the West Midlands, in the skills, confidence and optimism of the local people who have been positively impacted by this Games in their daily lives.

Highlights from the publication include:

  • State-of-the-art legacy facilities at the Alexander Stadium and Sandwell Aquatics Centre which will oepnd for community use in 2023.
  • 1,400 homes in the first phase of the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme, with hundreds more in future phases;
  • 40,000 new jobs and volunteering opportunities including the 14,000 strong ‘Commonwealth Collective’ of Games-time volunteers.
  • £38 million investment into Physical Activity and Wellbeing legacy including programmes to support inactive people to become more active and encouraging cycling for everyone.
  • A £23.9 million Business and Tourism programme enhancing the region and UK’s profile as a destination for tourism, trade and investment.
  • The first Commonwealth Games to incorporate, measure and evidence the Social Value impacts and benefits of hosting the Games, offering a model to future host cities with £40 million of Social Value delivered so far.
  • The first Commonwealth Games to present inclusive, accessible medals with an adjustable ribbon that will suit all body shapes and sizes.

Birmingham and the West Midlands is a place where people come first and where investment in the Games is only the start. The publication details the significant £778 million core public investment brought to Birmingham, the West Midlands, and how the core investment has unlocked additional funding and investment into legacy programmes in the region worth a further c.£88 million. It outlines the positive economic, social, and environmental effects of the Games, including the £30 million refurbishment of Perry Barr train station, the creation of jobs and volunteering opportunities, the creation of up to 5,000 new homes, and the creation of two World Class facilities at Alexander Stadium and at Sandwell Aquatic Centre.  

The Games have given this region a boost, generating possibility and opportunity and shining a light on this brilliant place. This document showcases some of the work undertaken across the legacy programmes, detailing examples of how the Games is leaving a lasting impact on the built environment, jobs, skills, education, culture, physical activity, sustainability, volunteering and youth.

The work outlined in the publication has been delivered in partnership between the core legacy partners: Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, the Government, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, Commonwealth Games Federation, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Growth Company, Sport England and Commonwealth Games England. Wider partners and funders including: the National Lottery Community Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Spirit of 2012, Arts Council England and the Commonwealth Sport Foundation have also played key roles in making sure that legacy doesn’t stop when the Games does.

Across our programmes we have strived to bring the benefits to local people through investment, jobs and community.
John Crabtree, Chairman of Birmingham 2022

Commenting on the legacy publication, John Crabtree, Chairman of Birmingham 2022, said: “Birmingham 2022 is a unique moment for us to show our wonderful city and region to the world. Across our programmes we have strived to bring the benefits to local people through investment, jobs and community. I am confident that we have set the wheels in motion for a strong legacy.”

Nicola Turner MBE, Director of Legacy (Cross-Partner), Birmingham 2022, said: “We set out to put real opportunities into the paths of local people who might not ordinarily feel the benefits flowing from an event like the Commonwealth Games. We’ve been gathering stories of the difference this has made in people's lives and it’s wonderful to share these publicly for the first time. Real legacies for real people in our local communities. These Games have become so important for our region, helping us to pave the way to become a fairer, greener, healthier and more prosperous place.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Ever since the council led the bid to host Birmingham 2022, we’ve been clear that the event must be more than just 11 days of fantastic sport.

“This report shows the positive impact of the Games is already being felt by people in all parts of the city and wider region, through the development of new infrastructure through to the start of programmes to improve health and the quality of life for residents. We will not lose focus on the Games’ legacy and continue working with partners in future to maximise the benefits of being Proud Host City for the biggest event in Birmingham’s history.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: The “Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this Summer, beyond being 11 exciting days of sporting spectacle, has the potential to deliver a lasting legacy for the people of the West Midlands for generations to come.

“A vital part of that legacy is what impact the Games has on our region in terms of jobs and skills. That’s why I’m so pleased we have reached the milestone of training over 7,500 residents to take advantage of Games time roles.

“The skills acquired through our Jobs and Skills Academy not only opens up opportunities to people during the Games but also equips them with lifelong skills that will serve them well in the job market throughout their working lives.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Birmingham 2022 is so much more than 11 days of sport - it will leave a lasting legacy that has been part of plans from the outset. 

“This legacy publication demonstrates the positive impact the Commonwealth Games is already having across communities in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. From providing tens of thousands job and volunteering opportunities, to raising the bar for more inclusive and accessible sporting events, the benefits of Birmingham 2022 will be felt for many years to come.” 

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games has consistently left a positive legacy for the host region with Birmingham and the West Midlands well-placed to be another long-term success story. The community will benefit from state-of-the-art legacy facilities such as Alexander Stadium and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. In addition, 1,400 homes are due in the first phase of the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme. We have seen £38 million investment into a Physical Activity and Wellbeing legacy and combined with a host of other initiatives, we are delighted that this new evidence is showing that Birmingham 2022 will leave a positive and lasting legacy for many years to come.”