Athletes and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games project partners are set to visit the Alexander Stadium site to inspect progress on its redevelopment ahead of the Games.

Since planning permission was granted in January this year, the demolition of three existing stands has been completed and the site remodelled with steelwork that will form the eye-catching new West Stand, which has started to take shape in recent weeks.

And despite the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the £72.4million (AUD$129m) scheme remains on budget and scheduled for completion in spring 2022 ahead of its initial use as the venue for the Commonwealth Games athletics competition, as well as the event’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Post-Games, the Stadium is set to become a focal point of health, well-being, sport, academic and community activity in an improved Perry Park as part of the wider Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme – which will see well over £500m (AUD$891m)  invested into north-west Birmingham in the next decade.

The Stadium, which will house around 30,000 spectators at each session it is used for during the Games, will revert to a permanent capacity of around 18,000 post-Games, the largest permanent facility capable of hosting major athletics in the UK, and the home of the world-famous Birchfield Harriers athletics club, in addition to a range of other tenants.

Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive Officer Ian Reid is impressed on progression of the stadium despite the challenges of 2020.

“I am truly impressed with the progress that has been made on this project this year,” Reid said.

“Despite the challenge of the pandemic, it is on track and on budget and the new stadium is really starting to take shape.”

With thanks Birmingham 2022.