The 2022 Commonwealth Games are taking place in Birmingham and will certainly be a sporting highlight in the calendar for many. Details of the new £60m aquatics venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham have been officially revealed.
Work on the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre began in the summer of 2019 and the venue will host the swimming and diving events. It will feature an Olympic-sized 50m competition pool, a 25m diving pool and a community swimming pool. Temporary seating will be installed during the Commonwealth Games so the centre’s 1,000 capacity rises to 5,000.
Sandwell Aquatics Centre is located in Smethwick, six miles from Birmingham City Centre, and will also feature:
- three activity studios
- minimum 8-court sports hall
- 125-station gym
- 25-station ladies-only gym
- indoor cycling studio
- dry diving centre
- sauna/steam room
- new football pitch and changing facilities
Councillor Steve Eling, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “Sandwell is proud to be playing its part in the Commonwealth Games with the development of a landmark new centre in Smethwick that will host all the aquatics events. The brand new centre will be the icon of West Midlands quality provision that will serve both the Games and the community for years to come.”
John Crabtree, chairman of the Birmingham Organising Committee of the 2022 Commonwealth Games said: “With the revamp of Alexander Stadium, plans for this brand-new facility at Sandwell and a tried and tested team of sporting venues across the West Midlands – all our collaborative efforts are focused on ensuring the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a spectacular sporting showcase of the city and region.”
